I stared with a Bernina 160, traded up for a 180 in 2000 which I still have. It's my travel machine. Had a 440 which I trad Had nothing but trouble from it, had to baby it and I don't baby my sewing machines. Trade down to a 550 and have never been happier in my life.ed up for a 820 when the first came out. My 180 has an embroidery attachment which I never use that's why I didn't get a 530. But as people have said test drive them both and see which dealer gives you the better service. I love my Bernias and I have a good dealer just down the road.