Getting to know your applianceGetting to know y aour pliance Diagrams of the control panel and the interior of the appliance can be found in the envelope at the front. Individual positions are referred to in the text.
ON/OFF switch
Door opener
Programme selector
START button
Digital display
Timer programming *
Additional options **
Rinse aid refill indicator
Display “Check water supply”
* depending on model
** Number depending on model
Top basket
Knife shelf *
Tablet collecting tray
Top spray arm
Bottom spray arm
Filters
Cutlery basket
Bottom basket
Dispenser for rinse aid
Detergent dispenser
Lock for detergent dispenser
Rating plate
* depending on model
Rinse aidAs soon as the rinse-aid refill indicator
is lit on the fascia, there is still a rinse-aid reserve of 1-2 rinsing processes. Refill with rinse aid. The rinse aid is required for stain-free utensils and clear glasses. Use only rinse aid for domestic dishwashers.
Combined detergents with rinse-aid component may be used up to a water hardness of 21° dH (37° fH, 26° Clarke, 3.7 mmol/l) only. If the water hardness is over 21° dH, rinse aid must be used.
1. Open the dispenser
by pressing and lifting the plate on the cover.

2. Carefully pour rinse aid up to the max. mark in the filler opening

3. Close cover until it clicks shut.
4. To prevent excessive foam formation during the next rinse cycle, remove any rinse aid which has run over with a cloth.
The amount of rinse aid can be set from
to
. Please set rinse aid on
to obtain very good drying results (
is already set in factory). Change this setting, only if streaks (select lower setting) or water stains (select higher setting) are left on the utensils.
1. Close the door.
2. Switch on ON/OFF switch
.
3. Press and hold down the START button
.
4. Rotate programme selector
until
.. s indicated on the digital display
.
5. Release button. The factory set value
is lit on the digital display
.
To change the setting:
1. Rotate programme selector
until the required value is indicated on the digital display
.
2. Press START button
. The set value is saved.
If the rinse-aid refill indicator
is impaired (e.g. when using combined detergents containing rinse aid component), it can be switched off.
■ Proceed as described under “Setting amount of rinse aid” and set the value to
.
The rinse aid refill indicator
is now switched off.
Utensils■ Cutlery and utensils made of wood.
■ Delicate decorative glasses, craft and antique utensils. These decors are not dishwasher-proof.
■ Plastic parts not resistant to heat.
■ Copper and tin utensils.
■ Utensils which are soiled with ash, wax, lubricating grease or ink.
Aluminium and silver parts have a tendency to discolour and fade during the wash cycle. Even some types of glass (e.g. crystal glass objects) may turn cloudy after many wash cycles.
Causes:
■ Glass type and glass production process.
■ Chemical composition of the detergent.
■ Water temperature of the wash programme.
Recommendation:
■ Use only glasses and porcelain which the manufacturer designates as dishwasher-proof.
■ Use a detergent which protects utensils.
■ Take glass and cutlery out of the dishwasher as soon as possible after the programme ends.
1. Remove large food remnants. It is not necessary to prerinse utensils under running water.
2. Place the utensils so that
– they are secure and cannot tip over.
– all utensils with their openings face down.
– parts with curves or indentations are at an angle, thereby allowing water to drain.
– does not obstruct rotation of the two spray arms
and
.
Very small utensils should not be washed in the machine, as they may fall out of the baskets.
To prevent water from dripping off the upper basket onto the utensils in the lower basket, it is recommended to empty the appliance from the bottom up.
Hot utensils are sensitive to shock! Therefore, when the programme ends, leave the utensils to cool down in the dishwasher until they can be handled.
Note When the programme ends, water droplets can still be seen inside the appliance. This does not affect the drying of the utensils.
Top basket 

Note Utensils must not be placed above the tablet collecting tray
. These may block the lid of the detergent dispenser and prevent it from opening fully

Bottom basket 

Tip
Heavily soiled utensils (pans) should be placed in the bottom basket. The more powerful spray jet provides a better dishwashing result.
Tip
Other examples, such as the best way of loading your dishwasher, can be found on our homepage as a free download. The corresponding Internet address can be found on the back page of these instructions for use.
You should always place cutlery unsorted with the points downwards. To prevent injuries, place long, pointed implements and knives on the knife shelf.

The etagere and the space underneath can be used for small cups and glasses or for larger items of cutlery, such as wooden spoons or serving cutlery. The etagere can be folded up if not required.

* Depending on the model, a 3-fold height adjustment is possible. To do this, first place the etagere vertically and pull up, then place at a slight angle, push down to the required height (1, 2, or 3) and snap into place.
* depending on model
The spikes can be folded down to improve arrangement of pans, bowls and glasses.

* depending on model
Light-weight plastic accessories, e.g. cups, lids, etc. can be held securely in the small accessories holder.

* depending on model
Long knives and other utensils can be arranged horizontally

* depending on model
If required, the height of the upper utensils basket
can be adjusted to provide more space for tall utensils either in the upper or lower basket.
Appliance height 81.5 cm

Appliance height 86.5 cm

Select one of the two following procedures according to the design of the top basket for your appliance model.
1. Pull out the top basket
out.
2. To lower the basket, press in the left and then the right lever on the outside of the basket. In doing so, hold the sides of the basket along the upper edge to prevent it from suddenly dropping.

3. To raise the basket, hold the basket on the sides of the upper edge and lift it up.
4. Before re-inserting the basket again, ensure that it is at the same height on both sides. Otherwise, the appliance door cannot be closed and the upper spray arm will not be connected to the water circuit.
1. Pull out the top basket
out.
2. Remove the upper basket and reattach it to the upper (stage 3) or lower (stage 1) rollers.

DetergentYou can use tablets as well as powder or liquid detergents for dishwashers, but never use washing-up liquid. The dosage can be individually adjusted with powder or a liquid detergent according to the degree of soiling. Tablets contain an adequately large amount of active ingredients for all cleaning tasks. Modern, powerful detergents predominantly use a low-alkaline formulation with enzymes. Enzymes break down starch and remove protein. To remove coloured stains (e.g. tea, ketchup), oxygen-based bleaching agents are generally used.
Note To ensure a good washing result, always follow the instructions on the detergent packaging! If you have further questions, we recommend that you contact the detergent manufacturers’ helpline.
Warning – Read and observe the safety information and instructions for use on the packaging for cleaning and rinsing agents.
1. If the detergent dispenser
is still closed, press the lock
to open the detergent dispenser.
Pour detergent into the dry detergent dispenser
only (insert tablet flat, not on its edge).
Dosage: see manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. The graduated detergent dispenser
helps you add the correct amount of powder or liquid detergent.
Usually 20 ml–25 ml are adequate for normal soiling. If using tablets, one tablet is adequate.

2. Close the cover on the detergent dispenser by sliding it up until the lock engages without difficulty.

The detergent dispenser opens automatically at the optimum time depending on the programme. The powder or liquid detergent is distributed in the appliance and is dissolved, the tablet falls into the tablet collecting tray where it dissolves in doses.
Tip If the utensils are only lightly soiled, slightly less than the indicated amount of detergent is usually adequate. Suitable detergents and care products can be purchased online via our website or via customer service (see back page).
Warning – Do not place small parts for washing in the tablet collecting tray
this prevents the tablet from dissolving evenly.
Warning – If you want to add more utensils after the programme has started, do not use the tablet collecting tray
as a handle for the upper basket. The tablet could already be there and you will touch the partially dissolved tablet.
Notes
■ If programmes are short, tablets may not have full cleaning effect due to different dissolving properties and there may even be undissolved detergent residue. It is recommended to use washing powder for these programmes.
■ The Intensive programme (on some models) requires one tab only. When using washing powder, you can apply some of this cleaning agent to the inside of the appliance’s door.
■ If using detergents in a water-soluble protective cover: Take hold of the cover with dry hands only and put the detergent into an absolutely dry detergent dispenser only, otherwise the detergent may stick.
■ If you switch from combined detergents to solo detergents, ensure that the water softening system and amount of rinse aid have been set to the correct value.
Overview of programmesThe max. possible number of programmes is illustrated in this overview. The corresponding programmes for your appliance can be found on the fascia. The programme data has been measured in the laboratory according to AS/NSZ 2007.


Note The consumption figures depend on the selected programme and additional functions. The programme duration will be different if the machine is short of rinse additive or the function is turned off.
You can select a suitable programme according to the type of utensils and degree of soiling.
Test institutes can request the conditions for running comparison tests by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Quote the appliance number (ENr.) and the production date (FD) which you can find on the rating plate
on the appliance door.
Additional options* depending on model
Additional options can be set with the buttons
.
Express Wash/ Speed Perfect/ (VarioSpeed) *This function can reduce the running time by approx. 20% to 50% depending on the selected rinse programme. The change in the running time is indicated on the digital display
. To obtain optimum cleaning results at a reduced running time, water and energy consumption are increased.
Half load *If you have only a few items to wash e.g. glasses, cups, plates), you can switch to “half load”. This will save water, energy and time. It is recommended to put a little less detergent in the detergent dispenser than for a full load.
Hygiene *The temperature is increased during the cleaning process. This increases the hygiene status. This additional option is ideal for cleaning e.g. chopping boards and baby bottles.
Intensive zone *Perfect for a mixed load. You can wash very soiled pots and pans in the lower basket together with normally soiled utensils in the upper basket. The spray pressure in the lower basket is intensified, the rinsing temperature is increased slightly.
Extra drying *An increased temperature during the final rinse and an extended drying phase ensure that even plastic parts dry better. There is a slight increase in the energy consumption
Operating the appliance* depending on model
The Aqua sensor is an optical measuring device (light barrier) which measures the turbidity of the rinsing water.
The Aqua sensor is used according to the programme. If the Aqua sensor is active, “clean” rinsing water can be transferred to the next rinse bath and water consumption can be reduced by 3–6 litres. If the turbidity is greater, the water is drained and is replaced with fresh water. In the automatic programmes the temperature and running time can also be adjusted to the degree of soiling.
1. Turn on the tap fully.
2. Switch on ON/OFF switch
.
3. Rotate programme selector
to the required programme. The expected programme duration flashes on the digital display
.
4. Press START button
. The programme starts running.
When the programme is selected, the remaining running time of the programme is indicated on the digital display
. The running time is determined during the programme by the water temperature, the number of utensils as well as the degree of soiling and may vary (depending on the selected programme).
* depending on model
You can delay the start of the programme in 1-hour steps up to 24 hours.
1. Close the door.
2. Switch on ON/OFF switch
.
3. Press button
until the digital display
jumps to
.
4. Press button
until the displayed time corresponds with your requirements.
5. Press START button
, timer programming is activated.
6. To delete the preselected starting time, press the button
until
is indicated on the digital display. You can change your programme selection at any time until the programme starts.
The programme has ended when the value
is indicated on the numerical display
.
* depending on model
To save energy, the dishwasher is switched off 1 minute after the programme ends (factory setting). Automatic disconnection can be adjusted from
to
.
Appliance does not switch off automatically
Off after 1 min
Off after 120 min1. Close the door.
2. Switch on ON/OFF switch
.
3. Press and hold down the START button
.
4. Rotate programme selector
until
... s indicated on the digital display
.
5. Release button. The factory set value
is lit on the digital display
.
To change the setting:
1. Rotate programme selector
until the required value is indicated on the digital display
.
2. Press START button
. The set value is saved.
Short time after the end of the programme:
1. Switch off ON/OFF switch
.
2. Turn off the tap (not applicable if Aqua-Stop fitted).
3. Open the door.
4. Remove the utensils when they have cooled down.
Note When the programme ends, leave the appliance to cool down a while before opening it. This will prevent steam from escaping and causing longterm damage to your built-in furniture.
1. Switch off ON/OFF switch
. The LEDs go out. The programme is saved. If the door was opened on an appliance which has a warm water connection or is heated, first leave the door ajar for several minutes and then close. Otherwise, expansion (pressure) may cause the appliance door to spring open or water to run out of the appliance.
2. To continue the programme, switch on the ON/OFF switch
again.
1. Press START button
for approx. 3 sec. The numerical display
indicates
.
2. The programme sequence lasts approx. 1 min. On the digital display
is indicated
3. Switch off ON/OFF switch
.
When the START button
has been pressed, the programme cannot be changed. The only way a programme can be changed is by Cancel programme (Reset).
The final rinse uses a higher temperature which improves the drying result. The running time may increase slightly. (Caution if utensils are delicate!)
1. Close the door.
2. Switch on ON/OFF switch
.
3. Press and hold down the START button
.
4. Rotate programme selector
until
is indicated on the digital display
.
5. Release button. The factory-set value
is lit on the digital display
(intensive drying off).
Change the setting as follows:
1. By rotating the programme selector
, you can switch intensive drying on
or off 
2. Press START button
. The set value is saved.
Cleaning and maintenanceA regular inspection and maintenance of your machine will help to prevent faults. This saves time and prevents problems.
■ Check spray arm for grease and limescale deposits. If you find such deposits:
■ Fill detergent dispenser with detergent. Start the appliance without utensils in the programme with the highest rinsing temperature.
Clean the appliance with detergents/ appliance cleaners which are particularly suitable for use with dishwashers.
■ To extend the life of your appliance, clean the appliance regularly with a special dishwasher detergent.
■ To ensure that the door seal always remains clean and hygienic, regularly clean it with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid.
■ If the appliance is switched off for a prolonged period, leave the door ajar to prevent the formation of an unpleasant odour.
Never use a steam cleaner to clean your dishwasher. The manufacturer is not liable for any consequential damage. Regularly wipe the front of the appliance and fascia with a damp cloth; water and a little washing up liquid are adequate. Do not use sponges with a rough surface or abrasive detergents, as these could scratch the surfaces.
Stainless steel appliances: To prevent corrosion, avoid using sponge cloths or wash them out thoroughly several times before using for the first time.
Warning – Health hazard Never use other domestic detergents, e.g. containing chlorine!
■ Check the refill indicator
. If required, refill rinse aid.
The filters
keep large foreign objects in the rinsing water away from the pump. These foreign objects may occasionally block the filters. The filter system consists of a coarse filter, a flat fine filter and a microfilter.
1. After each washing cycle check the filters for residue.
2. Unscrew filter cylinder as illustrated and take out filter system.


3. Remove any residue and clean filters under running water.
4. Re-install filter system in reverse sequence and ensure that the arrow marks are opposite each other after closing the filter system.
Limescale and contaminants in the rinsing water may block nozzles and bearings on the spray arms
and
.
1. Check outlet nozzles on the spray arms for blockages.
2. Unscrew the upper spray arm 
3. Remove the lower spray arm
upwards.

4. Clean spray arms under running water.
5. Re-engage or screw on spray arms.
Fault, what to do?Experience has shown that you can rectify most faults which occur in daily operation yourself. This ensures that the machine is quickly available to you again. In the following overview you can find possible causes of malfunctions and helpful information for rectifying them.
Note If the appliance stops during dishwashing or does not start for no obvious reason, first run the Abort programme function (Reset). (See chapter entitled “Operating the appliance”)
Warning – Don’t forget: Repairs may be carried out by technicians only. If a component has to be replaced, ensure that only original spare parts are used. Improper repairs or use of non-original spare parts may cause considerable damage and put the user at considerable risk.
Large food remnants or foreign objects which were not captured by the filters may block the waste water pump. The rinsing water will then be above the filter.
Warning – Risk of cuts!
When cleaning the waste water pump, ensure that you do not injure yourself on pieces of broken glass or pointed implements.
In this case:
1. First always disconnect the appliance from the power supply.
2. Take out top basket
and bottom basket
.
3. Remove the filters
.
4. Scoop out water, use a sponge if required.
5. Prise out the white pump cover (as illustrated) using a spoon. Grip the cover on the crosspiece and lift diagonally inwards. Remove cover completely.

6. Check impeller wheel and remove any foreign objects.
7. Place cover in the original position and press down until it engages (click).

8. Install filters.
9. Re-insert baskets.
“Check water supply” display
lights up.
Supply hose kinked.
Tap turned off.
Tap jammed or calcified.
Filter in the water supply blocked.

Error code
is lit.
Intake opening (on right inside of appliance) covered by utensils.
Error code
is lit.
Heating element soiled.
Fault code
is lit.
Water protection system activated.
Fault code
is lit
Water protection system activated.
Fault code
is lit.
Constant water inflow
Error code
is lit.
Filters
are soiled or blocked.
Error code
is it.
Waste water hose is blocked or kinked.
Siphon connection still sealed.
Cover on the waste water pump loose.
Error code
is lit.
Waste water pump blocked or cover on the waste water pump is not locked in position.
Error code
is lit.
Mains voltage too low.
A different error code is indicated on the digital display. (
to
)
A technical fault has probably occurred.
. After a short time restart the appliance. If the problem recurs, turn off the tap and pull out the mains plug. Call customer service and mention the error code.Display flashes
Door not closed properly.
Refill indicator for rinse-aid
is lit.
No rinse aid.
Refill indicator for rinse-aid
is not lit.
Refill indicator switched off.
There is still enough rinse aid available.
Water is left in the appliance at the end of the programme.
Filter system or area under the filters
is blocked.
The programme has not yet ended.
Utensils not dry.
No or too little rinse aid in the dispenser.
Programme selected without drying.
Water collecting in depressions on the utensils and cutlery.

The combined detergent used has a poor drying performance.
Intensive drying to increase drying not activated.
Utensils were removed too early or drying process had not ended yet.
The eco rinse aid used has a poor drying performance.
Plastic utensils not dry.
Special properties of plastic.
Cutlery not dry.
Cutlery not arranged properly in the cutlery basket.
Cutlery not arranged properly in the cutlery drawer.
Appliance interior wet after rinse cycle.
No appliance fault.
Food remnants on the utensils.
Utensils placed too closely together, utensils basket overfilled.
Spray arm rotation obstructed.
Spray arm nozzles blocked.
Filters
dirty.
Filters
inserted incorrectly and/or not engaged.
Rinse programme too weak.
Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed.
Tall narrow receptacles in corner areas are not rinsed adequately.
Top basket
on right and left not set to same height.
Detergent residue
Detergent dispenser cover blocked by utensils and therefore does not open fully.
Detergent dispenser cover blocked by the tablet.
Tablets used in the quick or short programme.
Dissolving time of tablets too long for a quick or short programme.
Washing effect and dissolving performance are reduced after a prolonged storage time or detergent is very lumpy.
Water stains on plastic parts
Droplet formation on plastic surface is physically unavoidable. After drying, water stains are visible.
Washable or water-soluble coatings in the container or on the door.
Detergent substances are deposited. These coatings cannot usually be removed with chemicals (appliance cleaner, ...).
Only for glasses: Initial glass corrosion – can only apparently be wiped off.
White, stubborn coatings; limescale on the utensils, container or door.
Detergent substances are deposited. These coatings cannot usually be removed with chemicals (appliance cleaner, ...).
Underdosing of detergent.
Too weak rinse programme selected.
Tea or lipstick residue on the utensils.
Too low rinsing temperature.
Too little or unsuitable detergent.
Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed.
Coloured (blue, yellow, brown), difficult to remove to non-removable coatings in the appliance or on stainless steel utensils
Film formation consisting of ingredients from vegetables (e.g. cabbage, celery, potatoes, noodles, ...) or the tap water (e.g. manganese).
Film formation caused by metallic components on silver or aluminium utensils.
Discolouration of the plastic parts inside the appliance.
Plastic parts inside the appliance may become discoloured during the service life of the dishwasher.
Plastic parts discoloured.
Too low rinsing temperature.
Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed.
Removable streaks on glasses, glasses with metallic appearance and cutlery.
Too much rinse aid.
No rinse aid added or setting too low.
Detergent residue in the final rinse programme section.
Detergent dispenser cover blocked by utensils (cover does not open fully).
Utensils precleaned too intensely; sensors therefore decide on weak programme sequence. Stubborn soiling cannot be completely removed.
Initial or existing, irreversible clouding of glass.
Glasses not dishwasher-proof, only suitable for dishwasher.
Rust spots on the cutlery.
Cutlery not adequately rustresistant. Knife blades are frequently more severely affected.
Cutlery will also rust if rusting parts are rinsed at the same time (pan handles, damaged utensil baskets, etc.).
The appliance does not start.
The mains fuse has tripped.
Power cord not inserted.
The appliance door has not been shut properly.
Programme starts automatically.
You did not wait until programme ended.
The door is difficult to open.
Child-proof lock is activated.
Door cannot be closed.
Door lock has been activated.
Door cannot be closed due to installation.
Cover on the detergent dispenser cannot be closed.
Detergent dispenser or cover guide blocked by sticky detergent residue.
Detergent residue in the detergent dispenser or in the tablet collecting tray.
Spray arms blocked by utensils, therefore detergent is not rinsed out.
The detergent dispenser was damp when filled.
Appliance stops in the programme or programme is interrupted.
Door not closed properly.
Do not place utensils or fragrance dispenser in the tablet collecting tray.
Top basket presses against inner door and prevents door from being closed securely
Power and/or water supply interrupted.
Filling valves making striking noises.
Depends on domestic installation, as appliance is not defective.
Knocking or rattling noise.
Spray arm strikes the utensils, utensils not positioned correctly.
If there is a low load, the water jets strike the washing tank directly.
Light utensils move during the wash cycle.
Unusual foam formation.
Handwash liquid in the rinse aid dispenser.
Rinse aid spilled.
Reference file: Bosch SMS50E32AU Serie | 4 Free-standing dishwasher
Series: Serie 4
Additionally, the document applies to other Bosch models: SM..., SB...