Maybe IBM also gives 3 years factory warranty. Then I'd just mail IBM and send them the disk directly. They should then send you a replacement (probably a -fully functioning- refurbished model or if you're lucky, a new drive)
This has worked for me in the past with Seagate and Quantum, so I guess IBM is no different here.

Riocar 58gig (48gig + 10gig IBM travelstar) S/N : 10101747 red