That’s a relatively new model… it’s a shame the “maintenance free” motor has failed. I haven’t had any issues with my similarly-equipped loks — yet — but am looking to purchase replacement motors to have on hand just in case. Let us know how things turn out.

you are lucky. do it ASAP. on USA ebay it is for 24 USD. a little less than at the M shop.

I've fixed to for a customer, same thing to much grease got into the motor.

John

Dear All

I have asked Marklin about the grease used in some of the Chinese assembled locomotives. The Marklin specification for the grease is the one you can buy under the Trix label. With a recent Marklin BR81 problem issue, this was due to the grease used in assembly in China, a problem they knew about. Even with all Marklin's strict assembly requirements, sometimes the wrong grease is used. It was said just strip out the old grease and use use the Trix compound and all will be good.

As for describing Marklin as Chinese junk that is not true. Yes final assembly is done in China on the cheaper models, not for instance on any of the Insider models, track, etc. However, the component parts come from everywhere, all around the world even before final assembly in Germany, Hungary or China. Also all parts used in any Marklin application are fully designed and tested in Goppingen before any assembly is done, in any assembly area. Take for instance the new Flying Scotsman. One of the many prototypes is on display at the Marklin museum at the moment. Apparently other Scot prototypes are being run to death on test tracks for durability and tested for compatibility with M, C and K tracks, sub assemblies tested for assembly, etc, etc. So the preparation Marklin does before the final assembly at the end of the year is unbelievable and all done in house. I really do not mind Marklin being assembled elsewhere, as long as Marklin has the full control over the design and quality and it is all done in Goppingen. Even some of the diecasting for the Scot could be done in Goppingen, can't verify though. They still do have a very large diecasting section at the german site and in full production. The company has to manufacture like this to survive, the days of full Goppingen production are gone. The 'Chinese junk' really applies to brands like current Hornby or Bachmann Branchline, that just do not have the large developement teams or basically any component manufacturing at all. Marklin still are a large fabrication/production company. Just look at the number of staff employees in the Hornby annual report, cannot quote of hand, very small. Thus Hornby and Bachmann example have too much total reliance on the Chinese end for production and it shows. Marklin do not and how they get the high quality factor, the Apple of the model train world.

David

I replaced the motor in my BR94 years ago, but if it goes fails again (which it will) I will go to SB Modellbau for a proper replacement.

Yes, the SB Modellbau is more expensive, but you get quality. Some thing that is cheap to buy but does not last usually becomes more expensive in the long run.