BMW 3 Series — the 15 years we've written up

Two parking-lot crashes where drivers say the car went forward instead of stopping — $150–$300 for a brake system scan and pedal test at an independent shop

Adaptive LED headlight modules fail as a unit, and a DRL failure means the whole assembly — $1,100–$2,200 per adaptive LED headlight assembly, plus coding

Drivetrain Malfunction warning: starter-pinion timeout on the 330e, a rear axle that let go — $300–$1,200 for coils, plugs and a scan; $1,500–$2,800 if the starter or a CV axle is replaced out of warranty

Starter motor corrodes and can short into a fire — the recall owners waited half a year for parts on — $0–$1,200 — free under the recall once the part arrives; a starter and auxiliary battery out of pocket otherwise

Starter motor fire risk with the car parked — a recall owners waited months to have performed — $0–$1,200 — free under the recall once the part is available; a starter out of pocket otherwise

Starter motor can short and start a fire — even with the car parked and switched off (recalled, parts were scarce) — $0–$1,200 — free if the starter recall covers the VIN and the part is in stock; a starter out of pocket otherwise

Oil filter housing leaks coolant and oil until the 2.0T overheats — pistons through the block in the worst reports — $600–$1,500 for the housing and gasket; $8,000–$15,000 for an engine if it was run hot

Coolant leaks from the oil filter housing and plastic pipes — overheating on the road — $800–$3,000 depending on whether it is a pipe, the housing or the gasket

Starter motor can short and start a fire — and the 328d's EGR cooler can too (recalls this row does not list) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $600–$1,200 for a starter if it has already gone

Cooling system failure (water pump, thermostat, tank) — $800-$1,500 preventive, $6,000+ if overheated

Timing chain, oil pump drive chain and oil starvation that can end the engine — $3,000–$6,000 for chains, guides and the oil pump chain; $8,000 and up for a replacement engine

N20 timing chain and guides can wear out and destroy the engine — $3,000–$6,000 for a full chain, guide and oil pump chain job at an independent BMW specialist

N20 timing chain and guides can wear through and lock the engine — $2,500–$4,500 for chain, guides and tensioner; $7,000 and up if the engine has already seized

VANOS housing bolts can loosen or shear and stall the engine (two recalls) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $4,000–$9,000 if a bolt has already broken and damaged the valvetrain

Four aluminium VANOS bolts can loosen or shear and stall the engine (recalls) — $0 with the recall — verify it was performed; $4,000–$9,000 if a bolt has already broken and damaged the valvetrain