Had a Bernina Artista 180 since it came out. Have enjoyed it all these years with no problems whatsoever until this year. I have only had it in for maintenance and cleaning. No trouble with changing threads and have never fooled with bobbin tension - only top tension. Think one of the circuits went out or the board. Have not had it in for repairs. That is the problem with Bernina. Not many places locally to have it repaired. However, found one just like it on ebay and purchased it. Now I can use all the feet, etc. I have purchased over the years. Would not hesitate to buy a Bernina again except for the repair issue. My backup machine is a cheap White - just a basic machine.