Washing machine broken - What could be the problem?

Super-Zusatzfunktion

The heating element costs about €80.
The spare part number BSHG00655855 is unusually expensive because some kind of sensor is integrated; normally these things cost less than €20.
You can usually replace it yourself with some handy skills, although there are slight differences from model to model; just google for the instructions.

Yeah yeah... the conversations of household appliances

Washing machine to photovoltaic system: "How's the weather outside?"
Photovoltaic system to washing machine: "Nice and sunny up here... why do you want to come up?"
Washing machine to photovoltaic system: "Unfortunately not. I have to do laundry today."

The Chinese produce this stuff too cheaply and the expensive craftsman just wants the high German hourly wage. As long as there is this extreme income distribution, the problem won't be solved.

If the washing machine were produced here and cost €3000 instead of €400, then repairs would also be worthwhile again.
Alternatively, if it wouldn't take so long and was completely idiotic, repairs in China would probably also be significantly cheaper.;)