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BMW F30 3 Series buyer's guide
2012–2019 · 320i / xDrive, 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon), 328d / xDrive, 335i / xDrive, ActiveHybrid 3, 330i / xDrive, 330e, 340i / xDrive (N20, B46/B48, N47, N55, B58)
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Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Other issues Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Which to buy Specs Paint codes Coding Ownership costs Sources
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 320i / xDrive | 2013–2016 | N20 |
| 320i / xDrive | 2017–2019 | B46/B48 |
| 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) | 2012–2016 | N20 |
| 328d / xDrive | 2014–2018 | N47 diesel |
| 335i / xDrive | 2012–2015 | N55 |
| ActiveHybrid 3 | 2013–2015 | N55 hybrid |
| 330i / xDrive | 2016–2019 | B46/B48 |
| 330e | 2016–2018 | B46/B48 plug-in hybrid |
| 340i / xDrive | 2016–2019 | B58 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: F30, F31. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Launch with the 328i (N20 2.0 turbo four, 240 hp) and 335i (N55, 300 hp). First 3 Series with only turbocharged engines and electric power steering.19,20 |
| 2013–2014 | The 320i (N20, lower output) is added for 2013, and xDrive is offered more widely. The 328d diesel arrives for 2014; CarBuzz suggests avoiding it now because parts are scarce.20 |
| 2016 (LCI) | Facelift from July 2015. New bumpers and lights (full LED available). New front struts with five-bolt top mounts (previously three), new rear damper technology, redesigned electric steering and updated DSC. The 340i (B58, 320 hp) replaces the 335i. Rev-matching for the manual.21,22,20 |
| 2017 | The 330i (B48, 248 hp) replaces the N20 328i.20 |
| 2018 | 340i ZHP Edition, limited to 100 cars for North America.19 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N20 engine
320i / xDrive (2013–2016), 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) (2012–2016) · N20 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain | any mileage; BMW warranty extension is 7 years/70,000 miles | A whine from the front of the engine that rises with rpm, or a cold-start rattle. A broken guide can destroy the engine. BMW revised the chain parts from January 2015 production. Its warranty extension (SIB 11 03 17) covers listed 2012–2015 N20/N26 cars built up to mid-2015, for 7 years/70,000 miles from in-service. A class-action settlement (SIB 11 02 21) covers cars built through February 2015.1,2,3,4 | N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| Oil leaks and electric water pump | not tied to a mileage in our sources | Valve cover, oil filter housing gasket leaks and electric water pump failures also come up on higher-mileage N20s. | No price yet |
B46/B48 engine
320i / xDrive (2017–2019), 330i / xDrive (2016–2019), 330e (2016–2018) · B46/B48 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant leak at the oil filter housing | most reports about 60,000–80,000 miles | BMW SIB 11 10 25 (Dec 2025): the housing seal can press on the coolant bushing so it deforms and leaks. The fix is a new gasket set and a redesigned bushing. It covers B46/B48 in G01, G02, G20, G22, G23, G26, G29, G30, G45 and G60.5,6,7 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Brittle coolant hoses and couplings | age and heat related | Plastic connectors near hot parts crack and can burst.7,6 | No price yet |
| Turbo oil return line leak (early cars) | early production | Caused by a mis-assembled gasket, fixed under warranty on early engines.7 | No price yet |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).8 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
N47 engine
328d / xDrive (2014–2018) · N47 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain (rear-mounted) | cold-start rattle most often from about 80,000–130,000 miles | The chains sit at the back of the engine, so the gearbox has to come out to replace them. If ignored, the chain can snap and wreck the head. More common on the N47 than the N57, per Carsniffer (it also notes a 2015 tensioner recall in its market).9,10,11 | No price yet |
| Swirl flaps and EGR cooler | age | Broken swirl flaps can damage the engine; EGR coolers can leak.9,10 | No price yet |
N55 engine
335i / xDrive (2012–2015), ActiveHybrid 3 (2013–2015) · N55 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover and gasket leak | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Burning-oil smell and oil on the spark plug wells. The plastic cover can also crack, so it is often replaced together with the gasket.12,13,14 | N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| Oil filter housing gasket leak | about 50,000–130,000 miles | Oil drips onto the belt and tensioner. Fix it before the belt is damaged.12,13,14,15 | N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| Electric water pump and thermostat | usually before 100,000 miles; reported failures range from about 30,000 to over 120,000 | Fails suddenly, often with no warning, then overheats.12,13,14 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| Plastic charge pipe | can crack at any age, even at stock boost; about 40,000–90,000 miles (60,000–150,000 km) per EngineScope | Sudden loss of boost and a whoosh under load.12,14 | N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| Oil pan gasket | usually past 100,000 miles | Expensive labor because the subframe must be lowered.12 | N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids | around 120,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.12 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
B58 engine
340i / xDrive (2016–2019) · B58 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank | commonly from about 60,000–80,000 miles; water pumps typically last about 75,000–100,000 | Often a slow "ghost" leak you smell but can't see. A pressure test finds it. Common sources are the plastic oil filter housing and its coolant vent hose, the water pump and the expansion tank.16,6,17 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Valve cover gasket and PCV | valve cover gaskets about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil on the spark plugs, burning-oil smell, low-oil warning. In November 2023 BMW NA mailed owners a 15 yr/150,000 mi warranty extension for the crankcase pressure control (PCV) valve (details and letter on our job page).18,16 | B58 valve cover / PCV failure Owners paid: dealer $3,049–$4,450 |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).8 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
Known F30 issues beyond the engine
Timing chain rattle on four-cylinder cars. carsales says to walk away from four-cylinder cars that rattle or tick, or price them to cover the repair. On the N20, BMW extended coverage to 7 yr/70,000 mi on listed cars (see the N20 section).23,24
Clear-coat peeling. Reported mostly on repainted panels. Check bumper tops and around the sunroof.23
Rough auto start-stop and early engine complaints on pre-facelift cars. CarBuzz notes complaints about turbos, timing chains and other engine parts relatively early, mainly on pre-LCI cars.20
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 53
Warranty extensions (51)
- SIB 01 03 24 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G05/G06 and other models (2017–2025); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2026
- SIB 01 02 24 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/F22 and other models (2016–2024); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2026
- SIB 01 13 25 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G12/F30/I12/I15 models (2016–2022); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 03 25 Radiator warranty extension Radiator warranty extension on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2019–2022); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Mar 2026
- SIB 01 05 20 EGR cooler warranty extension EGR cooler warranty extension on B46/B48/B47/B58/N20/N47/N55/N57/N63 engines (2014–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Aug 2025
- SIB 01 01 25 EGR valve warranty extension EGR valve warranty extension on BMW F30/F31/F25 models (2014–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Aug 2025
- SIB 72 02 25 Seat warranty extension Seat warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G20/F30 and other models (2019–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2025
- SIB 01 08 25 Body check engine light Body check engine light on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2019–2022); BMW gives an inspection and repair procedure. Warranty extension · May 2025
- SIB 01 16 24 Telematics unit warranty extension Telematics unit warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/G30 and other models (2018–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jan 2025
- SIB 01 18 24 Telematics unit warranty extension Telematics unit warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/G30 and other models (2018–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Dec 2024
- SIB 01 11 24 Battery warranty extension Battery warranty extension on BMW G12/F30/I01/I12 and other models (2014–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Dec 2024
- SIB 01 13 24 Brakes warranty extension Brakes warranty extension on BMW F30 models (2016–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Nov 2024
- SIB 01 07 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on BMW F22/F23/F30/F31 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 03 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on N20 engines (2014–2016); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
Showing 15 of 51.
Service campaigns (2)
- SIB 11 06 14 Engine service campaign Engine service campaign on N63 engines (2008–2015); the fix is replacing the affected part. Service campaign · Mar 2025
- SIB 11 05 21 Water pump cracking Water pump cracking on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2017–2022); BMW repairs affected cars free under a service campaign. Service campaign · Dec 2024
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 28
- Recall 26V441: engine starter 330E IPERFORMANCE, 530E IPERFORMANCE, 740LE IPERFORMANCE, 2016–2020. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Recall 25V871: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 25V700: EGR cooler 328D, 2018. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
- Recall 25V636: engine starter 230I, 330I, 430I, 430I CONVERTIBLE, 530I, X3, X4, Z4, 2019–2022. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Recall 24V608: water pump, plug connector 228I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1, X3, X4, X5, Z4, 2012–2018. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 201
- Recall 24V527: driver's front air bag 320I, 328D, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, 528I, 535D, 535I, 550I, 640I, 650I, ACTIVE HYBRID 5, X3, X5, 2013–2015. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
- Recall 24V513: driver air bag module 325I, 328I, 330I, 335D, 335I, 2006–2012. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
- Recall 24V288: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328D, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, M3, M4, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 23V584: receiver audio module (ram) ECU 228I, 330I, 430I, M340I, M440I, 2019–2022. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
- Recall 23V211: front seat frame 330I, M340I, X3, X4, 2019–2021. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
- Recall 21V907: fuel system, diesel 328D, 535D, 740LD, X3, X5, 2014–2018. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
- Recall 21V586: high-pressure fuel pump 328D, 535D, 740LD, X3, X5, 2014–2018. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Showing the 12 newest of 28.
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.25
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.26,27
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.26,23,28
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.29,26
- Listen for chain rattle on a cold start (N20 328i/320i). Ask whether the chain was replaced, and under which program.23,24
- Check front control arms and thrust arms. Clunks and steering shimmy are common F3x wear items (see our job page).
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.28,30
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N20: ask for records of Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.
- B46/B48: ask for records of Coolant leak at the oil filter housing; Brittle coolant hoses and couplings; Turbo oil return line leak (early cars); Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
- N47: ask for records of Timing chain (rear-mounted); Swirl flaps and EGR cooler.
- N55: ask for records of Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.
- B58: ask for records of Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank; Valve cover gasket and PCV; Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
Which F30 to look for
Facelift B-series cars (2016+ 340i, 2017+ 330i). CarBuzz recommends a facelifted car: in its view the B48 and B58 have proven more reliable, and the N-series engines need more preventive maintenance.20
Pre-facelift 328i (N20). Cheapest way in, but check timing-chain history and warranty-extension eligibility.20,24
These are the views of the cited reviewers and specialists, not a ranking of our own.
F30 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 180 hp (320i) to 335 hp (ActiveHybrid 3), with 0-60 mph as quick as 4.6 s.
A manual gearbox was offered in model years 2012–2018 (EPA listings). Full F30 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Factory paint and option codes
Paint colors BMW of North America listed for the F30 in the ordering and pricing guides we read:
| Code | Color | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Alpine White | 2017 |
| 475 | Black Sapphire Metallic | 2017 |
| 668 | Jet Black | 2017 |
| A75 | Melbourne Red Metallic | 2017 |
| A83 | Glacier Silver Metallic | 2017 |
| A89 | Imperial Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| A96 | Mineral White Metallic | 2017 |
| B39 | Mineral Grey Metallic | 2017 |
| B45 | Estoril Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| B65 | Jatoba Brown Metallic | 2017 |
| C08 | Platinum Silver Metallic | 2017 |
| C10 | Mediterranean Blue Metallic | 2017 |
114 option codes are listed for the F30 in the same guides. Search them.
Only model years covered by the guides we could obtain are shown.
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 185 settings that owners can change on the F30 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Welcome Lights, Seat heating/cooling, Convenient opening/closing, Display options iDrive system, Tailgate, Audio. 168 come from BimmerCode's list and 17 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the F30 maintenance schedule. Most F30 models: 4- and 6-cylinder $119.99 tier; 328d diesel "Other".
Repairs we price that apply to the F30
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) N20 335i / xDrive N55 | 7 | 26 | 11 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2013 | 320i / xDrive N20 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) N20 335i / xDrive N55 ActiveHybrid 3 N55 hybrid | 6 | 28 | 11 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2014 | 320i / xDrive N20 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) N20 328d / xDrive N47 diesel 335i / xDrive N55 ActiveHybrid 3 N55 hybrid | 13 | 31 | 11 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2015 | 320i / xDrive N20 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) N20 328d / xDrive N47 diesel 335i / xDrive N55 ActiveHybrid 3 N55 hybrid | 11 | 25 | 11 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2016 | 320i / xDrive N20 328i / xDrive (incl. Sports Wagon) N20 328d / xDrive N47 diesel 330i / xDrive B46/B48 330e B46/B48 plug-in hybrid 340i / xDrive B58 | 6 | 26 | 11 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2017 | 320i / xDrive B46/B48 328d / xDrive N47 diesel 330i / xDrive B46/B48 330e B46/B48 plug-in hybrid 340i / xDrive B58 | 5 | 25 | 10 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2018 | 320i / xDrive B46/B48 328d / xDrive N47 diesel 330i / xDrive B46/B48 330e B46/B48 plug-in hybrid 340i / xDrive B58 | 9 | 22 | 10 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2019 | 320i / xDrive B46/B48 330i / xDrive B46/B48 340i / xDrive B58 | 12 | 16 | 10 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Sources
- BMW SIB 11 03 17 (rev. 7): N20/N26 timing chain warranty extension, via NHTSA
- BMW SIB 11 02 21: N20/N26 class action settlement (Gelis v. BMW)
- RightFootDown: BMW redesigns N20 timing chain parts (01/2015)
- Bimmerpost X3 forum: build date for revised N20 chain
- BMW SIB 11 10 25: coolant leaking from oil filter housing (B46/B48), via NHTSA
- Motronix: B46/B58 coolant leaks at the oil filter housing
- Bimmerly: B48 reliability
- BMW SIB 01 02 24: EVAP purge valve warranty extension (BimmerBench summary)
- Diesel Automotive: how long do N47 engines last
- Bimmer.AI: N47 reliability guide
- Carsniffer: N47/N57 family
- BMWTuning: N55 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 5 most common N55 problems
- EngineScope: N55 reliability
- r/F30: how long has your N55 lasted?
- BMWTuning: 5 most common B58 problems
- r/F30: high-mileage B58 coolant and OFH issues
- R44 Performance: B58 engine review
- Wikipedia: BMW 3 Series (F30)
- CarBuzz: F30 3 Series, what to check before you buy
- BMW USA PressClub: the new 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon (2016 LCI)
- BMW technical training: 3 Series LCI product information (2015)
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- BMW SIB: N20/N26 timing chain limited warranty extension to 7 yr/70,000 mi, via NHTSA
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.