talked my kid into a 135I
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
I’ll be honest and admit I was young and stupid once (maybe I still am - stupid not young) and had my first V8 at 17 and got it wrong a couple of times and f@cked up a couple of quick cars before 19. I consider myself lucky but I also know you can end up just as dead in 4 cylinder Camry. At lease the 135i will have some good safety features. The only thing I’d do is make him work for the car, that way he may not treat it so cheaply.
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Thread Starter
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From: prattville alabama
C63
First; only one of his wrecks was his fault, second his is buying the car with his own money. I just pointed him toward the 135. because i didn't want him to get a camaro or corvette. I would have suggested a C300 but he would disappointed when he compared it to my car.
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c32amg,c240
if i totaled 4 cars (which cant happen because if i even totaled 1 car my parents would kill me) and managed to survive i dont think id be around anymore after the beating from my parents. Even though im only 18, i dont think id even let myself get a car like that (or any car at all) just because id be dead pretty soon after and will realize that i am just not capable of driving. take that money and get some driving lessons for him, thats what ive done and there are only good things to come from it. if you really want him to learn then do what ive done, have him buy a cheap car (i got a 1985 pontiac firebird for $400) with his own money and have him work on it himself and pay for any repairs that result from his driving. hopefully this will teach him that daddy wont always be there to get him a new toy
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c32amg,c240
I know everyone here is entitled to their own opinion on this forum. But I hope for god sakes that if your son does consider getting the 135i. That he will take full responsibility for his actions when he drives. I hope though for you as a dad that you make the right decisions for your son. I wish you the best for the holidays take care.
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CL500
You should honestly just buy him a C350, fast/agile enough where he can have fun with it but slow enough where he wouldn't be tempted to push it too much.
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From: CA working like a slave
C63 AMG Arctic w/ Stage 1 Tune, DoubleXX pipe, MCD-631X coming soon
it is a good car for sure, the only thing is the narrow front end makes it a bit more "understeer happy", not my style, but might be ok for your kid. The N54 motor is a great motor, smooth power delivery and reliable, and the car is def. cool.
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
Well in that case he deserves a Black Series
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From: NYC's Fastest
Radio Flyer Big Flyer fully loaded with training wheels and NOS
and i actually have 3 other projects going on now to get some more sense!
and yea its still icy and snowy here so the c63 wont be seeing much street time (plus it needs new rear tires....)
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2020 GLE450
The fact that four cars have been totaled while in the possession of your son raises two possibilities. Either he is not a good or sufficiently experienced driver, or the drivers in your area are a menace. Cars in your household are being totaled at the rate of nearly one a year! My advice, which you can obviously disregard if you want, would be to pay for driving courses (including advanced courses) for your son (something from which he will benefit for the rest of his life) and to buy him a car with safety (and not speed) being the top priority. You could even get him a fast car for track use only.
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
I want to get my son into Karting and teach him that racing is only for the track.
Of course that will require a 180 degree change in my behavior: S63 vs SC M3
Of course that will require a 180 degree change in my behavior: S63 vs SC M3
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CL500
Even though 3 of the 4 totals may not have been his fault, some of those totals could probably of been avoided with a less aggressive style of driving. ex) not gunning it into intersections/not driving in ppl's blind spots
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
Indoor electric carting = so much fun. 
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
I want to get my son into Karting and teach him that racing is only for the track.
Of course that will require a 180 degree change in my behavior: S63 vs SC M3
Of course that will require a 180 degree change in my behavior: S63 vs SC M3
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 86
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From: Los Angeles, CA
09 G37
Even though 3 of the 4 totals may not have been his fault, some of those totals could probably of been avoided with a less aggressive style of driving. ex) not gunning it into intersections/not driving in ppl's blind spots
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
Indoor electric carting = so much fun.
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
Indoor electric carting = so much fun.
I'll definitely agree with Minuteman on saying that driving school is the best "mod" you can buy. Mod the driver before the car.
I guess I'm just the type of person who give the benefit of the doubt. Nice choice dad on the 135. If he's not grateful, the hot damn meet the backhand.
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C63
The fact that four cars have been totaled while in the possession of your son raises two possibilities. Either he is not a good or sufficiently experienced driver, or the drivers in your area are a menace. Cars in your household are being totaled at the rate of nearly one a year! My advice, which you can obviously disregard if you want, would be to pay for driving courses (including advanced courses) for your son (something from which he will benefit for the rest of his life) and to buy him a car with safety (and not speed) being the top priority. You could even get him a fast car for track use only.
Even though 3 of the 4 totals may not have been his fault, some of those totals could probably of been avoided with a less aggressive style of driving. ex) not gunning it into intersections/not driving in ppl's blind spots
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
Indoor electric carting = so much fun.
It is your money, do what you want but I suggest you get him some driving lessons that will effectively change his driving habits.
Indoor electric carting = so much fun.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: prattville alabama
C63
No on the 350
my sons choice of a car is one he made for himself. I just steered him toward a car that is both quick and has good safety features. I'm not paying for it, he is. In the last few months I've been teaching him how to handle a powerful car We went over wet roads to show him how easy it is to hydroplane and how to recover. shown him how to keep eyes on other traffic an anticipate their moves, and how much speed under traffic condition. by the time he gets the 135 he will have several hours in my C63, with me riding shotgun of course. so he should be a much improved driver. P.S. when i was 19 i totaled two cars and haven't had an accident since , and I'm 47.
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
When my son hits 20 he will be depleting his college 529 and any money he makes will go towards his education. If and when he finished Med school or an MBA at the minimum then we can begin to discuss a German car.
I drove American and Japanese until I was 3 years post PhD (and 100% debt free) but that is just me.
I drove American and Japanese until I was 3 years post PhD (and 100% debt free) but that is just me.
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From: Hong Kong/Charlotte
2010 C63
You are his father - it is your job to disappoint him. I don't want my daughter thinking I am her buddy or her friend. I have never made a decision in order to please her. I am her father - first, last and always. Seems like everyone that had the cool parents when I was a kid can't keep a job and can't stand their parents now. I certainly did not have the cool parents then, but I do now. And my job is not half bad either. Funny how that works.
Sorry for the vent, but it really bugs me to no f****g end when parents try to please their kids. They're f****g kids! They don't get to make the rules. Who gives a crap if they are happy with your decision now? Hopefully they will be happy with it in 20 years.
And I don't give a crap if it is his money - I would never let him buy a 135 with that many wrecks, whether they were technically his fault or not. Once is bad luck, twice is a coincidence, three times is a plot. I don't know what four times is.
End rant.
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From: Moscow Russia, Los Angeles USA
2009 MB C63 2007 MB ML63 2006 MB CLS 500 (wife)
If it is his money...
And he needs a new car...
Why do you "talk" him into a 135i?
Maybe he wants to buy an SUV and cruise around with his school (or college) friends?
And he needs a new car...
Why do you "talk" him into a 135i?
Maybe he wants to buy an SUV and cruise around with his school (or college) friends?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
I hope this was a glib, throw-away line.
You are his father - it is your job to disappoint him. I don't want my daughter thinking I am her buddy or her friend. I have never made a decision in order to please her. I am her father - first, last and always. Seems like everyone that had the cool parents when I was a kid can't keep a job and can't stand their parents now. I certainly did not have the cool parents then, but I do now. And my job is not half bad either. Funny how that works.
Sorry for the vent, but it really bugs me to no f****g end when parents try to please their kids. They're f****g kids! They don't get to make the rules. Who gives a crap if they are happy with your decision now? Hopefully they will be happy with it in 20 years.
And I don't give a crap if it is his money - I would never let him buy a 135 with that many wrecks, whether they were technically his fault or not. Once is bad luck, twice is a coincidence, three times is a plot. I don't know what four times is.
End rant.
You are his father - it is your job to disappoint him. I don't want my daughter thinking I am her buddy or her friend. I have never made a decision in order to please her. I am her father - first, last and always. Seems like everyone that had the cool parents when I was a kid can't keep a job and can't stand their parents now. I certainly did not have the cool parents then, but I do now. And my job is not half bad either. Funny how that works.
Sorry for the vent, but it really bugs me to no f****g end when parents try to please their kids. They're f****g kids! They don't get to make the rules. Who gives a crap if they are happy with your decision now? Hopefully they will be happy with it in 20 years.
And I don't give a crap if it is his money - I would never let him buy a 135 with that many wrecks, whether they were technically his fault or not. Once is bad luck, twice is a coincidence, three times is a plot. I don't know what four times is.
End rant.
Wow that’s a bit heavy, attacking his commitment as a parent and the stupid insight into why children like or dislike them. I’m pleased you weren’t my father. He never brought me a car, he often gave me advice but never stopped me from buying what I wanted with my own money. The quality of German cars today from a safety aspect at least give some peace of mind. A 135i is not that powerful, it’s also quite docile with the ESP on and has very good handling qualities compared to most cars on the market. I’d be more than happy for my son to drive one. I know now to never mention on this forum what I’ve given my boys to own and drive over the years. In Australia there are some very draconian and enforced restrictions these days on what you can drive for the first few years of a new licence, no V8’s, no turbos and so on and it hasn’t done a thing to curb the road toll for young drivers. As I pointed out earlier in the thread, slow cars kill just as effectively as fast ones. I’d rather have the dynamics of a new BMW compared to a Toyota Corolla, a ten year old heap of junk or the roll over effect of an SUV.
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
I have to agree w/ ATL_MB....I teach 20 year olds for a living and every time I see a kid w/ an Audi or BMW they invariably are a C student. My theory is that since they are already getting the good things in life they have little motivation to do A level work.
The kids w/ the fire in their belly to achieve are motivated by the hope that someday, if they work very hard they will no longer have to drive a beater.
After paying rent, living expenses, tuition, etc, where does a 20 year old get the money for a high end car? That is a rhetorical question since I know that the 20 year old, unless he is Bill gates doesn't pay the above and that his parents co-signed for the loan he pays w/ his "own money."
One of my friends....a famous financial adviser bought his son a Lexus when he turned 16. 14 years later, he bought his son another Lexus when he got one year of recovery from a serious drug habit. The son turned the car into a crack rental and has spent the last 6 months in a 10K a month rehab.
The kids w/ the fire in their belly to achieve are motivated by the hope that someday, if they work very hard they will no longer have to drive a beater.
After paying rent, living expenses, tuition, etc, where does a 20 year old get the money for a high end car? That is a rhetorical question since I know that the 20 year old, unless he is Bill gates doesn't pay the above and that his parents co-signed for the loan he pays w/ his "own money."
One of my friends....a famous financial adviser bought his son a Lexus when he turned 16. 14 years later, he bought his son another Lexus when he got one year of recovery from a serious drug habit. The son turned the car into a crack rental and has spent the last 6 months in a 10K a month rehab.
Last edited by Dr_jitsu; Dec 28, 2009 at 11:32 PM.
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Wow that’s a bit heavy, attacking his commitment as a parent and the stupid insight into why children like or dislike them. I’m pleased you weren’t my father. He never brought me a car, he often gave me advice but never stopped me from buying what I wanted with my own money. The quality of German cars today from a safety aspect at least give some peace of mind. A 135i is not that powerful, it’s also quite docile with the ESP on and has very good handling qualities compared to most cars on the market. I’d be more than happy for my son to drive one. I know now to never mention on this forum what I’ve given my boys to own and drive over the years. In Australia there are some very draconian and enforced restrictions these days on what you can drive for the first few years of a new licence, no V8’s, no turbos and so on and it hasn’t done a thing to curb the road toll for young drivers. As I pointed out earlier in the thread, slow cars kill just as effectively as fast ones. I’d rather have the dynamics of a new BMW compared to a Toyota Corolla, a ten year old heap of junk or the roll over effect of an SUV.
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A slow car can kill as effectively as a fast one? absurd.
the 135i is not a powerful car? absurd.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 499
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
I have to agree w/ ATL_MB....I teach 20 year olds for a living and every time I see a kid w/ an Audi or BMW they invariably are a C student. My theory is that since they are already getting the good things in life they have little motivation to do A level work.
The kids w/ the fire in their belly to achieve are motivated by the hope that someday, if they work very hard they will no longer have to drive a beater.
After paying rent, living expenses, tuition, etc, where does a 20 year old get the money for a high end car? That is a rhetorical question since I know that the 20 year old, unless he is Bill gates doesn't pay the above and that his parents co-signed for the loan he pays w/ his "own money."
One of my friends....a famous financial adviser bought his son a Lexus when he turned 16. 14 years later, he bought his son another Lexus when he got one year of recovery from a serious drug habit. The son turned the car into a crack rental and has spent the last 6 months in a 10K a month rehab.
The kids w/ the fire in their belly to achieve are motivated by the hope that someday, if they work very hard they will no longer have to drive a beater.
After paying rent, living expenses, tuition, etc, where does a 20 year old get the money for a high end car? That is a rhetorical question since I know that the 20 year old, unless he is Bill gates doesn't pay the above and that his parents co-signed for the loan he pays w/ his "own money."
One of my friends....a famous financial adviser bought his son a Lexus when he turned 16. 14 years later, he bought his son another Lexus when he got one year of recovery from a serious drug habit. The son turned the car into a crack rental and has spent the last 6 months in a 10K a month rehab.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 499
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
I won’t get into a big argument with you as it’s not my decision on what he should or shouldn’t drive. Here in Australia he would be automatically banned by law from driving a 135i.
I will say before I go, all cars have the ability to travel at speeds capable of killing. Road statistics for young drivers restricted to low powered cars here have not fallen. Driver education and awareness is the key. I worked for many years as a Traffic Engineer and I can tell you the excuses used in courts by drivers that had killed passengers and other innocent road users would astound and infuriate you. None were killed by powerful cars, they were killed by drivers who drove beyond their limits or the road conditions.
In the scheme of things a stock135i is nothing special. Lesser vehicles with some mods can easily out power them and not be anywhere near as safe.
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