Son hounding me to install sub...any advice/precautions? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #16 03-03-2012, 03:48 PM

When I was 16 my DD was the gold 300SD. I didnt have any issue with driving, being distracted or otherwise. I put a Pioneer deck in it, some Polk speakers and bought a set of infinity 12's off a friend (3 of them actually..powered by some wimp tiny amplifier..idk who set that all up) The early w126 sound systems definitely lacked any real bass response.

I dont think adding a 300-watt subwoofer to that car will be a big issue. But then again I don't really know the kid that well to judge that. I can only speak from experience. I've always placed driving on the top of the priority list. Phone calls, texts get ignored until I get to my destination.

Here's a decently priced MB Quart sub:
MQ Quart RLP-304 (RLP304) 12" Dual 4 ohm Low Profile Reference Sub

shertex · #17 03-03-2012, 03:54 PM

Thanks to everyone for the very helpful responses!

ngarover · #18 03-03-2012, 04:41 PM

He's already going to be driving a tank... give it some boom.

vstech · #19 03-03-2012, 06:11 PM

have him invest in dynomat for sure...
you might wanna have the sub replace the back seat... NOTHING is more distracting for a teen driver than FRIENDS in the car!!!
enforce a ZERO cell use while driving, and limit passengers to YOU... 16 is just too young with today's distractions, and high speeds...
a radio sounding good, is a good bargaining chip to eliminate dangerous trends while driving.
in my state it's actually illegal for any driver under 18 to have any passengers besides the parents...

shertex · #20 03-03-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

have him invest in dynomat for sure...
you might wanna have the sub replace the back seat... NOTHING is more distracting for a teen driver than FRIENDS in the car!!!
enforce a ZERO cell use while driving, and limit passengers to YOU... 16 is just too young with today's distractions, and high speeds...
a radio sounding good, is a good bargaining chip to eliminate dangerous trends while driving.
in my state it's actually illegal for any driver under 18 to have any passengers besides the parents...

Sounds like a good law to me. In RI, he can have one person in the car who's not a parent/guardian.

vstech · #21 03-03-2012, 09:33 PM

yup, and the penalty is revoked license until 21... how's that for incentive!

duxthe1 · #22 03-03-2012, 09:41 PM

Don't let him screw the amp into the fuel tank!!!! The tank is the forward partition of the trunk and that happens more often than you'd think. Some overzealous installer sees all of that real estate, holds the amp against it, and runs 2 inch drywall screws in to hold it...... and then it comes to the shop with a fuel smell.

Thirdem · #23 03-06-2012, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satyr

At 16, maybe you should consider encouraging him to save his funds to "trick" his own vehicle, that he can purchase when he gets a little older..

Okay, maybe I'm super blessed or something, but I turn 16 in exactly two months, and the Mercedes-Benz that I own 50% of becomes 100% mine. I am trying to keep her all original, but will be installing a stereo with lots of BOOM! I love Christian Rap/Christian Hip-Hop(yes, there IS such a thing!) and I really want the BOOM of the bass! I love it! Good luck!!

polarisrmk · #24 03-06-2012, 01:05 AM

You guys sound like your fathers you know ... let the kid be a kid! didn't hurt any of us.....

my $0.02

dude99 · #25 03-06-2012, 01:28 AM

If he's mature enough to warrant you giving him one of your cars to drive, he can probably handle a subwoofer. Just be sure to remind him that hearing what is going on around him is important and that if he ever needs to concentrate to simple turn it off for a minute.

layback40 · #26 03-06-2012, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mespe

My advice is NO! Unless you want to hear the rumble as he pulls up the driveway. I think all subwoofers should be outlawed, as I shouldn't have to be subject to the relentless boom boom boom as someone drives down my street.

X2
You need to explain to him that installation of a sound system like that is a symptom of "small mans syndrome" & all the hot chicks know that !! A sub is the last thing he wants !!

layback40 · #27 03-06-2012, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

Sounds like a good law to me. In RI, he can have one person in the car who's not a parent/guardian.

We have a similar law here for the first year of driving.

A wagon with the back seat folded away & a foam mattress in the back would be more useful for a young guy than a big sound system.

shertex · #28 03-06-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layback40

We have a similar law here for the first year of driving.

A wagon with the back seat folded away & a foam mattress in the back would be more useful for a young guy than a big sound system.

Large back seat and teenage son combo is about the only reason I'm glad I no longer own the SDL!

Clemson88 · #29 03-06-2012, 08:05 AM

You asked for it.

When one of my two sons or five daughters "hounded me," I always referred them to my first response to their request and added:

1. Did I tell you no? Do you think I made a mistake by refusing your request? Do you think therefore I am careless of your concerns or perhaps you believe that I prefer to refuse you because I do not love you? Do you think I have made a selfish decision based on what I want rather than what is best for you?

2. Did I tell you wait? How can you not show me patients? Am I not patient with you?

Never-the-less, I always tried to do what was best for my children though looking back I see I did not always succeed. My greatest success was that they all now know that was my goal.

E150GT · #30 03-06-2012, 08:31 AM

I like a good stereo. I also like the sound of a diesel engine. I waited a few months to ditch the factory stereo and speakers in my SD because I was enjoying diesel clatter. The sound of taking off and turbo whine is better than music.