Would you buy your child an M3 as a first car?

iveman89 · 11-02-2011, 03:09 PM

I think it depends on your daughter. I was 18 when I got my M3 and it's great. I did give money to my old man when we bought it, so I made a sacrifice. I also love this car and intend to keep it and understand the value of it. If you love your car you wont do anything stupid in it. I do what ever I can to keep it perfect. My dad also said if I receive any ticket in it, car was gone.. he was dead serious. 4 years later car is great I'm great, unfortunately I moved to LA and left the car up north the keep it safe from all the LA drivers. On the other hand my sister got a 330ci and she is the best when it comes to keeping the car in good condition. She just treats it like a beater car.

DDS2015 · 11-02-2011, 04:18 PM

When I was 17 my parents gave me a huge SUV. If they would've given me a sports car I probably would've killed myself a couple times by now. If I was 17 and just handed a car like an M3 then I also probably wouldn't work that hard in school and at work. I'm 22 now and in dental school, and just recently traded in that huge SUV for a 328xi. It was a present to myself for making it this far at such a young age (the average age in my class is 27). The M3 (M4) will wait until I graduate and have another achievement under my belt.

Trevor .:R · 11-02-2011, 04:28 PM

I have a 2008 BMW M3, currently am 17 years old. Bought it used 7 months ago for 42k, it was though not my first car i got my first car at 15 a 1994 black 5 series =D automatic though, then at 16 bought a VW R32 and had it up until i traded it in. That was the car i learned manual on, i know drive a 2008 bmw m3, no competition package or anything just the base model no edc. I dont mind to have those anyways im fine with what i got and i am fine to not have those necessities. I really did respect the car and after driving it a few times have found my limits. I slowly am starting to mod it here and there, such as filter, exhaust, coilovers and i though paying for aftermarket parts on a VW was bad... Anyways long story short i would not let it be the FIRST car you get, but i enjoy the car go to meets and will be attending track days when im 18, rather then some kid who takes a car and blacks it out, or has wheel gap >.<

Just my 2 cents

M3KW · 11-03-2011, 06:38 AM

I think that if your child is responsible enough and you have trust in them, I see no reason bar finances and insurance why it should not be considered. I know a person who got it for his 21st birthday and he's taken such good care of it. Obviously you don't get it for kids who are immature, unless you want them dead...

Erhan · 11-03-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3KW

Obviously you don't get it for kids who are immature, unless you want them dead...

This car can make a kid (or a grown up) immature. That's the problem.

Dave07997S · 11-03-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3KW

I think that if your child is responsible enough and you have trust in them, I see no reason bar finances and insurance why it should not be considered. I know a person who got it for his 21st birthday and he's taken such good care of it. Obviously you don't get it for kids who are immature, unless you want them dead...

Its not about just being responsible..its having the driving experience necessary so that the young driver doesn't get him/herself in trouble regardless of the vehicle being driven. Throw in 400+hp into the mix and it could be a recipe for disaster.

Its like a new pilot in the Air Force, they don't just throw him into a F16..he's going to start with a trainer to work themselves up to speed vs. a F16 where things can get out of hand as the aircraft gets out in front of the pilot. Same thing with a high performance car.

Dave

Dave07997S · 11-03-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erhanh

This car can make a kid (or a grown up) immature. That's the problem.

LOL..I'm in my 40s and it brings out the hooligan sometimes.

Dave

Mr.MichaelM3 · 11-03-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

Hell No. This is what happens when you give a teen an M3.

http://autoworld.wordpress.com/2008/...a-house-in-la/

DAMN!!! I am young myself (22) and owning this car comes with BIG RESPONSIBILITY. Is is REAR wheel drive (kids reading this) so when you mess around and think you have total control over the car well you just dont. Whenever you turn "traction" off or if your M mode is set to turn it off PLEASE BE CAREFUL! I cant tell you how many close encounters I've had. This car can be VERY dangerous and if any young people consider it PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY

kevblah · 11-03-2011, 12:45 PM

Not necessarily trying to fuel the fire, but wouldn't an M3 be safer in some respects because of the beefed up suspension and brakes, not to mention other top-notch safety systems because it's a BMW? This might be a stretch, but hell...maybe the kid would be more careful in the M3 because they know it's an expensive car and wouldn't want to wreck it.

I disagree with all of the people that scoff at the idea of giving a teen driver a nice car. Maybe 90% or more of teens aren't responsible enough to handle it, but there are some kids that can...that's obviously up to the parent to decide.

My first car when I was 16 was a 2002 MB C320, not by any means a sports car, but 215hp RWD nonetheless. Looking back, I do think it was probably too much car for a new driver, but I was relatively careful with it. At 18, I got a '02 CL600, then an '07 CLK550, and then a '07 CLS63 AMG. I'm 21 now, just recently sold the CLS63, and am currently driving an e46 M3.

In my opinion, if you have the means, buy your child a nice first car. It shouldn't be fast, but it should be nice. There's absolutely no reason to buy them a clunker Toyota or Honda, when you can easily afford to buy them a much safer luxury car.

James T. Kirk · 11-03-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevblah

Not necessarily trying to fuel the fire, but wouldn't an M3 be safer in some respects because of the beefed up suspension and brakes, not to mention other top-notch safety systems because it's a BMW? This might be a stretch, but hell...maybe the kid would be more careful in the M3 because they know it's an expensive car and wouldn't want to wreck it.

I would agree. It's just the foot on the pedal that one can't rely on.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 11-03-2011, 01:06 PM

waiting at the STOP/ARET sign for the

to give me a sign 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

& 6th

... I'm gone

-=Hot|Ice=- · 11-03-2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erhanh

This car can make a kid (or a grown up) immature. That's the problem.

Anything that goes 0-60 in 4 seconds can get even the most responsible of drivers in trouble.

LTJohn · 11-03-2011, 01:09 PM

Answer:
NO
The majority of deaths in that age group are via car accidents. They are almost guaranteed to have an accident. Why enable immature people with a vehicle capable of murderous speed??
They will be fine with a nice 328i and you can still show all of your friends how rich and cool you are without killing your kids.

BTW, go and google: porsche - decapitation - teen (warning, you will see grey matter)
and you will see some real horror filled pics about a joy ride a young girl took in her dads 911. She took it without permission, so you can't fault dad. But, you can take a measure of the level of maturity that the individual possessed at the time of her tragic death. Ask anyone who has worked the ER about who comes in on MV trauma cases......

Erhan · 11-03-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevblah

Not necessarily trying to fuel the fire, but wouldn't an M3 be safer in some respects because of the beefed up suspension and brakes, not to mention other top-notch safety systems because it's a BMW? This might be a stretch, but hell...maybe the kid would be more careful in the M3 because they know it's an expensive car and wouldn't want to wreck it.

No it wouldn't. It is not a beefed up suspension, it is a sports suspension which means it leaves less margin for error. If you take a car like Prius that doesn't handle, I can understand the argument. But even a 10year old BMW will handle enough to keep you out of trouble. In terms of M3 brakes... stock brakes in any modern car can stop you safely in sane speeds.

If the safety of the kid is the argument point, a used 328 would do the trick. If you're that worried, then get a full cage, race seat, HANS, 6 point harness and fire extinguisher. Not an M3.

kevblah · 11-03-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erhanh

No it wouldn't. It is not a beefed up suspension, it is a sports suspension which means it leaves less margin for error. If you take a car like Prius that doesn't handle, I can understand the argument. But even a 10year old BMW will handle enough to keep you out of trouble. In terms of M3 brakes... stock brakes in any modern car can stop you safely in sane speeds.

If the safety of the kid is the argument point, a used 328 would do the trick. If you're that worried, then get a full cage, race seat, HANS, 6 point harness and fire extinguisher. Not an M3.

Right, and this was kinda what I was arguing towards. Not necessarily saying an M3 is the right car for a teen driver, but a used 328 would most definitely be a better choice than a Honda Civic.

Erhan · 11-03-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevblah

Right, and this was kinda what I was arguing towards. Not necessarily saying an M3 is the right car for a teen driver, but a used 328 would most definitely be a better choice than a Honda Civic.

Agreed.

MattE92 · 11-03-2011, 01:41 PM

lease her a 328. an M3 is a race car...

-=Hot|Ice=- · 11-03-2011, 01:42 PM

I leased a 08' 328xi coupe for myself as my first car. Felt very safe in that thing.

James T. Kirk · 11-03-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

waiting at the STOP/ARET sign for the

to give me a sign 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

& 6th

... I'm gone

I know. This thread won't quit. It's taken on a life of its own.
At first it was cool, then weird, then maddening, then cool again.

Truly...

eamon · 11-03-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

I leased a 08' 328xi coupe for myself as my first car. Felt very safe in that thing.

Aren't you on the 6speed 911 forums?
An 08 328i as your "first" car and a porsche as your second at around the age of 20?
Nice

-=Hot|Ice=- · 11-03-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eamon

Aren't you on the 6speed 911 forums?
An 08 328i as your "first" car and a porsche as your second at around the age of 20?
Nice

I am on 6speed but not the 911 forums, and I'm not 20.

eamon · 11-03-2011, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

I am on 6speed but not the 911 forums, and I'm not 20.

Oh my b

11-02-2011, 03:09 PM	#287
iveman89 First Lieutenant 18 Rep 391 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E93 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: watsonville, CA iTrader: (0)	I think it depends on your daughter. I was 18 when I got my M3 and it's great. I did give money to my old man when we bought it, so I made a sacrifice. I also love this car and intend to keep it and understand the value of it. If you love your car you wont do anything stupid in it. I do what ever I can to keep it perfect. My dad also said if I receive any ticket in it, car was gone.. he was dead serious. 4 years later car is great I'm great, unfortunately I moved to LA and left the car up north the keep it safe from all the LA drivers. On the other hand my sister got a 330ci and she is the best when it comes to keeping the car in good condition. She just treats it like a beater car.
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11-02-2011, 04:18 PM	#288
DDS2015 Major 392 Rep 1,444 Posts Drives: 2018 M3CS Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Winnipeg iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW X3 [0.00] 2023 BMW M4 [0.00]	When I was 17 my parents gave me a huge SUV. If they would've given me a sports car I probably would've killed myself a couple times by now. If I was 17 and just handed a car like an M3 then I also probably wouldn't work that hard in school and at work. I'm 22 now and in dental school, and just recently traded in that huge SUV for a 328xi. It was a present to myself for making it this far at such a young age (the average age in my class is 27). The M3 (M4) will wait until I graduate and have another achievement under my belt.
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11-02-2011, 04:28 PM	#289
Trevor .:R Captain 64 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 13 ZCP DCT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Thousand Oaks/Camarillo/Westlake iTrader: (1) Garage List 11 M3 [10.00]	I have a 2008 BMW M3, currently am 17 years old. Bought it used 7 months ago for 42k, it was though not my first car i got my first car at 15 a 1994 black 5 series =D automatic though, then at 16 bought a VW R32 and had it up until i traded it in. That was the car i learned manual on, i know drive a 2008 bmw m3, no competition package or anything just the base model no edc. I dont mind to have those anyways im fine with what i got and i am fine to not have those necessities. I really did respect the car and after driving it a few times have found my limits. I slowly am starting to mod it here and there, such as filter, exhaust, coilovers and i though paying for aftermarket parts on a VW was bad... Anyways long story short i would not let it be the FIRST car you get, but i enjoy the car go to meets and will be attending track days when im 18, rather then some kid who takes a car and blacks it out, or has wheel gap >.< Just my 2 cents __________________ Current: 2013 E92 M3 AW DCT Past: 2011 E90 M3 AW DCT, 2011 E92 M3 MR 6MT, 2008 E92 M3 AW 6MT
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11-03-2011, 06:38 AM	#290
M3KW Private 0 Rep 68 Posts Drives: '11 E93 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow iTrader: (0)	I think that if your child is responsible enough and you have trust in them, I see no reason bar finances and insurance why it should not be considered. I know a person who got it for his 21st birthday and he's taken such good care of it. Obviously you don't get it for kids who are immature, unless you want them dead... __________________ 2011 M3 M-DCT/Jerez Black/19' OEM/Harman-Kardon Sound/EDC/M-Dynamic/Michelin Pilot Sport 2
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11-03-2011, 12:45 PM	#295
kevblah Private 4 Rep 92 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Not necessarily trying to fuel the fire, but wouldn't an M3 be safer in some respects because of the beefed up suspension and brakes, not to mention other top-notch safety systems because it's a BMW? This might be a stretch, but hell...maybe the kid would be more careful in the M3 because they know it's an expensive car and wouldn't want to wreck it. I disagree with all of the people that scoff at the idea of giving a teen driver a nice car. Maybe 90% or more of teens aren't responsible enough to handle it, but there are some kids that can...that's obviously up to the parent to decide. My first car when I was 16 was a 2002 MB C320, not by any means a sports car, but 215hp RWD nonetheless. Looking back, I do think it was probably too much car for a new driver, but I was relatively careful with it. At 18, I got a '02 CL600, then an '07 CLK550, and then a '07 CLS63 AMG. I'm 21 now, just recently sold the CLS63, and am currently driving an e46 M3. In my opinion, if you have the means, buy your child a nice first car. It shouldn't be fast, but it should be nice. There's absolutely no reason to buy them a clunker Toyota or Honda, when you can easily afford to buy them a much safer luxury car.
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11-03-2011, 01:06 PM	#297
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Is this still ongoing ... where when will it end? waiting at the STOP/ARET sign for the to give me a sign 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th & 6th ... I'm gone __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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11-03-2011, 01:09 PM	#299
LTJohn First Lieutenant 140 Rep 309 Posts Drives: 2019 Porsche GT3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Answer: NO The majority of deaths in that age group are via car accidents. They are almost guaranteed to have an accident. Why enable immature people with a vehicle capable of murderous speed?? They will be fine with a nice 328i and you can still show all of your friends how rich and cool you are without killing your kids. BTW, go and google: porsche - decapitation - teen (warning, you will see grey matter) and you will see some real horror filled pics about a joy ride a young girl took in her dads 911. She took it without permission, so you can't fault dad. But, you can take a measure of the level of maturity that the individual possessed at the time of her tragic death. Ask anyone who has worked the ER about who comes in on MV trauma cases......
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11-03-2011, 01:41 PM	#303
MattE92 Private First Class 16 Rep 137 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	lease her a 328. an M3 is a race car...
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