Discontinued Activa 200 machines

[karen f.]

After Bernina discontinues making a series of machines, how long are repair parts available? What will the Activa 300 machines have that the 200's don't have?

[Penelope H.]

I just bought my daughter a Bernina 220. I was told that Bernina guarantees parts for 20 years. One thing that the 300 machines have is an automatic button hole maker.

[Penelope H.]

O.K. I just got an Activa 240 that my husband surprised me with. I wonder what year it was made. Like to know how many years left on that 20 year parts guarantee .

[Penelope H.]

I don't know if it's 15 or 20 years, but it starts from when the last machine is sold, which will likely be this year. I just bought a new Activa 240, which I'm waiting for. The 240 comes with full-shank feet, and I like the way the accessory case clips on to the machine. The 300 series has updated lighting and display, slide speed control, and start/stop button. But only the 380 comes with the knee lift/FHS, and in the US, they have snap-on feet. I decided I'd rather have the savings than the updates, for a travel machine. I got spoiled on Bernina quality, otherwise I'd use a $200 cheapy machine.

[Penelope H.]

Thanks for the info MamaMaiaB. My husband didn't realize this was considered a travel size. I need a full size machine preferably with a larger throat space to free motion quilt. Nice of him to surprise me but not what I was looking for. Wonderful machine though. If money were no object I would buy the lastest and greatest full size Bernina. That's not happening though.

[Penelope H.]

Well, the Activas (210, 215, 220, 230, and 240) and 3 series are 3/4 sized machines, with 6" harps, compared to the 7.5" harp on the Auroras. They weigh approximately 18 lbs, compared to about 23 lbs for my 440. The 430 and 440 are being replaced by the 5 series, so now is a good opportunity to get one of those at a lower price. Maybe you can trade your new 240 in on a discounted 430 or 440. My 440 is a precise, powerful, reliable, enjoyable workhorse. I got the 240 to have a less expensive travel machine, and I got a new 820 for the bigger harp, built-in dual feed, and bigger bobbin. It has so much more to offer, though. The 240 has a powerful motor and many great features in a smaller machine, but it does have a smaller harp.