I little late to the thread, but I have had the "new" Bernina 830 about about 4 years - use it on and off but I am now having the same problem with it not picking up the bobbin thread. I had it twice to the dealer where I bought it- only to be told they thought the needle was bad, replaced the needle and it sewed fine for them. I take the machine home, sew for five minutes and have the same issue. It's now at another Bernina dealer. When this machine works it sews like a dream but in hindsight I am not sure I would get this machine again. This is a heavy beast to keep lugging back and forth to the shop!