I’ve had the dishwasher for about 7 years. For the last 4 years or so the inlet/drain light has been coming on. The drain outlet, sump, filter, impeller etc are all okay. Water has been gathering in the base tray which initially I could drain by tipping the machine and it would then work again. This doesn’t work anymore as the tray is filling up with the ‘water protection float’ and microswitch system triggering the drain pump to run continuously with each use. I’ve tipped the machine onto the side and have taken off the bottom tray. I’ve cleaned the float which was slightly ‘gunky’ but this hasn’t made any difference. I couldn’t see any trace of where water may have been leaking from. The main seal in the centre of the dishware base appears to be okay. I’m guessing that there is a leak which has got steadily worse over the years. The only thing that does look slightly worn is the seal around the ‘door frame’ at the bottom. Has anyone any ideas?
Also what is the black tube which is open which ends just above the tray and looks like it goes to the ‘salt unit’?
Many thanks

Graham, January 2010

Got exactly the same problem, having stripped out the motor today. The water is leaking out of the square channel and i can see rust on the shaft. I am looking to see if any other manufacturers motors can be fitted.

Carl., April 2010

Got the same problem, same machine - 5 years old.
Water is leaking from the square channel in the main circulation pump. It's coming from the seal where the impellor mounts onto the motor axle. Looks like Miele have provided this square channel should the seal leak, to allow water to escape into the bottom tray, where the float rises and stops the machine and flashes the inlet/drain light. I took the motor assembly out the machine, removed the impellor housing but cannot get to the leaking seal as the impellor will not come off.
I spoke to Miele spare parts, they will sell a replacement circulation motor for £290 + delivery. I might have to scrap the machine - so much for recycling as I can't find a second hand motor.

Phil, February 2010