Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The latest-gen 2021 M3 certainly offers scintillating performance. But for many BMW fans, it doesn’t have the ‘feel’ that older models like the E92 M3 delivered. And this week on Bring a Trailer, there’s a chance to experience those sensations firsthand. But the car listed isn’t just a BMW E92 M3: it’s a 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition.

The BMW E92 M3 Competition Package makes “a fun ride…sinfully addicting,” MotorTrend says

2011 BMW M3 Competition Coupe | BMW

Even among M3s, the 2008-2013 BMW E90 M3 is fairly special. That’s because, unlike every other M3, it doesn’t use an inline-six engine, but a V8. And it still delivers a driving experience on par with the 2021 model.

Plus, while the current-gen M3 is only available as a sedan, the 2008-2013 E90 was also available as a coupe and a convertible. The former is referred to as the BMW E92 M3 and offers the same kind of driving experience as the sedan. But in 2011, BMW thought it could make the E92 M3 even better. And so, in a repeat of what it did on the E46 M3, it released a Competition Package, MotorTrend explains.

If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 have Competition variants, too. However, the 2021 versions come with extra power as well as a slew of other performance upgrades. In contrast, the BMW E92 M3 Competition has the same 414-hp 4.0-liter V8 as the standard car. And the same six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

But while the BMW E92 M3 Competition doesn’t have more power, it does have other performance-sharpening features. It has a 0.4”-lower ride height as well as re-tuned adaptive dampers and a reprogrammed stability control system. And apart from 19” wheels, that’s it. On paper, that doesn’t seem like much. However, the Competition Package genuinely makes the BMW E92 M3 “better than ever,” Car says.

True, in the extra Sport Mode, the ride is on the firm side. But the payoff is “a zealously surefooted machine” that MT describes as “a Hellfire missile rewired to turn in mere inches.” And BMW E92 M3 Competition is just as daily-drivable as the standard car. Little wonder Car and Driver dubbed it a “master of the track and road.”

The 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition on Bring a Trailer

A white 2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe in a parking garage
2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe | Bring a Trailer

The 2012 BMW M3 Coupe Competition currently listed on Bring a Trailer is a manual example. But the Competition Package isn’t the only thing it offers.

In addition to the Competition Package, this 2012 BMW E92 M3 has xenon headlights with washers, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a sunroof. Inside it has leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, satellite radio, automatic climate control, and a rear sunshade. And outside, the blue brake calipers squeeze cross-drilled rotors.

The black-leather-upholstered front seats and carbon-fiber-trimmed dashboard of a 2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe seen through the open doors
2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe front interior | Bring a Trailer

This 2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe is a fairly stock example. The only modifications are the carbon-fiber hood vents, mirror caps, and side markers, as well as a ceramic coating and paint protection film. Bring a Trailer notes that this car has a few paint blemishes, a broken rear ashtray lid, and a title lien. But it has a zero-accident history and less than 87,000 miles on the clock.

Plus, the seller has addressed several key maintenance items. The brake fluid and cabin air filter were replaced in October 2020. And the oil was changed roughly 200 miles ago. Also, crucially for the S65 V8 in the BMW E90/E92/E93 M3, the seller replaced one of the throttle body actuators. That’s a known failure item on these engines, BMW Tuning explains. The seller also notes that the engine’s had no rod bearing issues, another known S65 problem.

It’s one of the best-driving luxury sports cars available at a bargain price

As of this writing, this 2012 BMW M3 Competition Coupe is listed on Bring a Trailer at $24,000 with two days left in the auction. That’s slightly below the average BaT range of $30,000-$40,000.

Although this E92 M3 isn’t perfect, it’s a well-maintained example of a car that’s constantly praised for its handling and livability. As always, it’s recommended that potential buyers get a pre-purchase inspection. But this car seems like a driving enthusiast’s bargain.

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How Much Does a Wheelchair Lift For a Pickup Truck Cost?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Adding a wheelchair lift to a vehicle is a great way to easily accommodate drivers or passengers with disabilities. Because of their high payload capacities and accessible beds, pickup trucks are a perfect candidate for these lifts. You can also use a wheelchair ramp for easy transport of other heavy items into the cargo box.

However, you have to make sure that the wheelchair ramp you want to buy will fit your vehicle correctly. You should also consider what type of ramp you want, your price range, and any safety features you need. Here are the best kinds of wheelchair lifts, according to Retirement Living.

What kind of wheelchair lift should you get for your pickup truck?

Vertical platform wheelchair lifts are popular because they’re relatively easy to install and have the most functionality. The platform moves the chair as if it were on an escalator and is stable enough to accommodate the wheelchair’s owner. Inclined platform wheelchair lifts are very similar, but these can’t travel vertically up and down.

Still, both of these might not be the best fit for a pickup truck. Most passengers don’t want to ride in the truck bed, and many truck beds have a steep step-in height. However, you could also attach the ramp to the side of the pickup truck’s cab if it has the right measurements.

Auto lifts are used to load unoccupied wheelchairs into a car and come in several varieties. Depending on the weight of the personal mobility vehicle, you’ll need either a single arm or double arm auto lift. Double arm auto lifts have more support beams, so they’re better suited for transporting heavy wheelchairs.

An interior auto lift is your best bet for getting an unoccupied wheelchair into a pickup truck. These use either a platform or a lifting mechanism similar to a crane. Smaller vehicles can have exterior auto lifts that can secure the wheelchair to the back of the car.

Pickup truck lifts are also the easiest lifts to store when they’re not in use. The interior lift mount can easily be situated inside the truck bed. You can also store it under the truck to save storage, but these types of mounts are more difficult to install.

Whether the occupant will be situated in the wheelchair during transport or not, safety features are important. All types of lifts need safety railings or straps to ensure that the wheelchair doesn’t fall from the lift. Obstacle detection, emergency stopping mechanisms, and weather-safe controls should also be considered when choosing a lift.

Average pricing for wheelchair lifts

CarsDirect says that wheelchair lift prices vary depending on the complexity of their construction and the number of extra safety features. Vertical platform lifts are some of the most expensive, with an average one retailing for around $8,000-$10,000. A custom curved incline lift with more safety features can cost well over $10,000. An incline lift that hasn’t been modified could only cost $3,000.

If you just want a simple hoist or crane lift, it might only cost around $2,000-$3,000. Auto lifts have a wider price range, but pickup truck wheelchair lifts will probably be closer to $5,000.

What about installation for your pickup truck?

Installation typically isn’t included in the wheelchair lift’s cost and probably won’t be covered by insurance. Before you even purchase a ramp, you’ll have to pay for an onsite inspection of the vehicle. Your vehicle might have to be customized with more ground clearance or electrical work to support a wheelchair lift.

Once it’s time to install the lift, you’ll also need to find a suitable installation site and possibly get a safety permit. Wheelchair lifts can definitely get pricey, but it’s a great investment for disabled truckers or their loved ones.

RELATED: A Cheat Sheet of Disability-Friendly Vehicles

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Is Front-Wheel Drive Better Than Rear-Wheel Drive?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car buying consists of shoving as much information on your chosen vehicles into your head as possible. Frankly, it can all be a bit overwhelming. But, it’s important to get the basics right. Things like engine, transmission, rear, all, or front-wheel drive. Those last three are very important depending on where you live. Snowy or rainy climates are often populated by owners that tout the benefits of front-wheel drive. But is a rear-driven car all that bad?

Benefits of front-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive genesis: the 1984 VW Golf GTI | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

Enthusiasts often poke fun at other enthusiasts who own front-driven cars by calling their car “wrong-wheel drive”. But what’s so bad about it, and what does the term “front-driven” mean? Essentially, it refers to the layout of the wheels on a car that are directly powered by the engine. A car with front-drive means that only the front two wheels are powered by the engine via the transmission.

This layout offers plenty of benefits. First and foremost, it uses fewer materials than a rear-wheel drive car. There’s no big driveshaft going to the back of the car, which helps weight and thus fuel economy. It is, for this reason, you’ll struggle to find a rear-wheel drive “economy” car. In some cases, front-wheel drive cars also offer better traction, as the weight of the engine is over the front wheels, pushing them into the ground and helping grip.

Rear-driven cars may be a more “pure” experience

The rear-wheel drive chassis of a car on display, complete with engine
The rear-driven chassis of a vehicle | Alexander Nemenov via Getty Images

But, there’s another way. Most cars made before the popularity of front-driven cars rose were rear-wheel drive. By and large, this is also the pick of many enthusiasts, who say it offers a more “pure” and balanced driving experience. Some consumers turn their nose up at this configuration for its poor traction in poor weather. But, there’s an easy fix most people overlook.

Tires are everything on a car, especially a rear-wheel drive one. In order to keep optimal traction in rain or snow, a good set of winter or summer tires is a must on any car, including a front-wheel drive one. No, the weight of the engine usually isn’t over the rear wheels, but good tires more than compensate for this. Plus, tire technology is so good now those rumors of weighing the back down with sandbags are now just that- rumors.

Which is best for you?

Arguably one of the most popular rear-driven cars out there: a silver BMW M3
The rear driven E46 BMW M3 | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

In order to determine which is best for you, it’s important to consider what you want your car to do. Do you want a fun weekend toy? Rear-drive is probably best. Looking for economy and nothing else? Front-wheel drive is for you. But, no matter what, the best decision you can make for your car is a good set of tires. They’ll help you stay on the road and safe, front or rear-wheel drive regardless.

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Should You Buy or Rent Your Next Camper van?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Camper vans can make any summer road trip into an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you are traveling across the country or just a few hours from home, having a camper van gives you the freedom to travel without the need for hotels and accommodations, stressing about missing layovers at the airport, or trying to shove half of your wardrobe into a carry-on bag. For many families, this is one of the best options for traveling for so many reasons, but if you’ve been juggling between buying a camper van and just renting one, there are a few key things that you should keep in mind.

Should you buy a camper van?

A camper van at sunrise | Patrick Pleul, picture alliance, Getty Images

There are a lot of benefits to owning a camper van over renting one for buyers who don’t mind paying for storage fees, have extra space to keep one, and travel often enough to make them a good financial decision. Camper vans can be expensive to purchase, but that is far from the only financial burden they can create. Registration, insurance, and storage when necessary can all play into how much you’re going to spend when purchasing — and those aren’t necessarily factors you will have to consider when renting, either. If you just want the comfort of not having to unload and reload a rented camper, or you plan on using it rather often, it can still be a good purchase.

Should you rent a camper van?

If you’re new to camper van ownership and not entirely sure what you want, renting one can be a happy medium. Renting a camper van is a good way to figure out what qualities you really care about and which ones you can do without. Besides that, if you aren’t sure how often you will actually use a camper van or don’t want the hassle of storing one, rentals can be the easy solution to making sure you aren’t wasting your money where it isn’t actually needed.

Renting before you buy isn’t a bad idea, either

If you are debating between the two options, it isn’t a bad idea to rent a camper van before making the final decision to buy. Camper vans can be a much larger expensive than some buyers realize, as it’s as intensive as buying a new vehicle while also coming with some additional costs. When you buy a camper van, you can expect to be paying not only for the van itself but also registration and insurance, and if you’re going to get yourself in that deep, it is important that you feel confident in your purchase and aren’t regretting the decision a few months down the road.

Inside a camper van
Two employees control a motorhome | JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER, AFP, Getty Images

According to Escape Campervans, renting is the ultimate solution if you’ve always been interested in testing out the camper van lifestyle but just can’t make the full financial and time commitment that it requires. Renting is a great option for many families, especially as they begin to travel this summer with many travel restrictions beginning to lift, and, of course, if you find yourself falling in love with the lifestyle, you can always make the purchase when you’re ready, too.

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