In-car navigation systems are practically as standard as any other car features these days.  Nearly everyone relies on them to get where they need to without ending up in an alley that’s supposed to be Maple Street!  The in-cabin navigation systems currently found in your Chicago BMW will be getting another great enhancement:  Google Maps.

Google maps are a really cool feature if you have ever used them.  If you input a destination into your iPhone, for example, it’ll give you direction by direction of where you are going, where you are, as shown on a point by a map.  In fact, my spouse and I have used Google Maps on his iPhone to get to different destinations and we’ve found the information to be right on target.  Now, in some new and even Chicago used BMW 5 series models (depending what year it is), you are able to send Google Maps to your vehicle’s navigation system via the “Send to Car” function.  Once the information is there, the driver can access it through voice prompt or manually and the directions will be read aloud and the map will be displayed on the screen.   This should ensure you to get to your destination without getting lost.

Moreover, some other cool features are available in conjunction with your Chicago BMW model.  The luxury car maker is developing an extensive store of online apps that the BMW driver can work with.  There are apps for measuring your 7 series’ g force and acceleration!  Soon, an app will allow an owner to unlock the doors from an iPhone or Smartphone.  How’s that for convenience!  Moreover, a current BMW owner can integrate in car navigation systems and traffic reports to help avoid routes that are congested.  No more being late for that important 9 am meeting.

It is amazing the technological advancements that BMW is making when it comes to in-house navigation systems and automotive apps.  The possibilities seem to be endless.  Go take your BMW for a ride and enjoy all these fun features!

Have you ever thought about owning a BMW?  I am sure it’s crossed your mind a time or two.  The luxury, combined with a stylish interior and powerful engines, is too intriguing to pass up.  If you are interested in something new, consider the Chicago 3 Series. 

MSN autos recently put together a list of vehicles that are a good value in their class.  Some of the classes they consider are the Sports car, Minivan, Crossover, and the like.  Where the Chicago used BMW 3 series comes into play is in the “Luxury Car” category.  It’s a model that has been at the top of the sport sedan sector for a long time now.  It competes in the same class as cars like the Infiniti G37 and the Audi A4.  Let’s see what makes the 3 series a top car!

First of all, with the 3 series, you have the option of many different styles such as the sedan, touring model, coupe and convertible. Your M3 choices offer a bit more sport behind the wheel, but all of these have features that cater to the most avid and loyal BMW owner.

Let’s take one Chicago 3 series model and have a more in depth look.  The 2010 328 xi sedan is on the lot at your local dealership and is waiting for you to come in and take it for a fun test drive.  It comes fitted with an inline-six speed 3.0 liter engine that produces 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.  What’s really nice about driving the 328 is the all-wheel drive.

It also comes standard with many safety features that keep you at ease while behind the wheel.  The brake assist helps keep you safe in the event of an accident threat where braking quickly is a necessity.  The traction control and electronic stability are also features you want in an auto.  Moreover, the 328 xi offers ABS brakes, dual front impact airbags, and perimeter/approach lighting.  Now you can zip around knowing that BMW has worked hard to make your 3 series very safe!

I hope we’ve convinced you that driving a 3 series is something you must do.  Head to your Chicago used BMW 3 series dealer and take a test drive today!

One of the newest 7 Series Chicago models is a very exciting drive:  the 2010 750i X Drive.  This $85-$100K  cruiser has  many of the luxurious amenities that BMW owners all over the world look for!

One common theme that can be found from many reviews of this sedan is the great handling it has on roadways.  On ideal road conditions, as well as wet pavement, this car feels a lot smaller when you drive it, versus how much larger is it overall, than say a used BMW Chicago 3 series.  The excellent handling can be attributed to the X Drive, all wheel drive system that is housed in the 7 series model.  Compared to other BMW models, adding the X drive doesn’t affect the mpg by more than 1 or 2 gallons, so choosing this option is a great choice.

Powertrain wise, the 750i X Drive comes with a 6 speed automatic transmission  and a 4.4 Liter twin turbo V-8 engine.  This powerful engine provides this 7 series Chicago with 400 hp and 450 pound-feet of torque!  Pretty impressive….  It also comes with 19 inch Goodyear Excellence performance tires to provide a smooth, quality drive to your destination.

On the outside of the 750i X Drive the look says “Yes, I am a BMW”, from the tell-tale logos, to the way the roof slants.  It’s classy looking, but also has a sporty edge to it to.  The sporty look is subtle, but it’s there; from the panels on the side, headlights, and twin grilles on the front.  The door handles on each of the four-doors are set in a bit.  Overall, the updated styling is very beautiful.

Inside, you get so many features that make riding or driving in this car a pleasant experience.  You get quality leather seats that are accented by a steering wheel and control panel coloring of a different hue.  The controls are designed to be convenient for the driver, but arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way!

Like so many other new and used BMW Chicago models, the 750i X Drive is an amazing car.  It’s certainly designed for luxury traveling, but with some added options, can be even sportier.  Take a test drive now and we promise you’ll fall in love with this car!

Integrating cell phone technology with the automotive world is an area in the spotlight right now.  Many large auto companies are working with technology giants to integrate car information with iPhones, Smartphones, and the like.

Nokia is one mobile giant that is working globally to make applications on multimedia phones that a car owner can use to communicate with their auto.  Currently, Nokia and the CE4A have released a “Terminal Mode technology specification” that they hope will be adopted as a standard for linking mobile apps and autos.  If this happens, your Chicago BMW m5 is going to get a lot more exciting!

The CE4A stands for Consumer Electronics for Automotive and is made up of five car companies:  Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Volkswagen.  All are aiming at having their autos linked to a smartphone.  How handy would it be for a Chicago 3 series owner to have an app on her Smartphone where she could access how much gas is left in the tank, for example.  She could then plan before getting into the car if she can make it to the mall before stopping off for gas after work!  This is just one illustration of the way personal phones like this might be able to work with the car.

A spokesperson for Nokia states that the company is eager to partner with automotive companies and provide their services in providing apps.  All of this makes you wonder if someday you’ll be able to drive your car from the Smartphone without having to physically be behind the wheel…. Not very safe, but with the way Chicago BMW m5 models are advancing these days, you never know!

I myself do not own a Smartphone, but people I’ve talked to who do and who also own a Chicago 3 series are very eager for Nokia’s developments to be implemented soon.  They say being linked to their car through their phone will help them keep their car more up to date with service, for example, and they would also like to have safety feature apps. Definitely some good thoughts there.  We’ll see what happens with it all!

BMW is hoping to rise to the top again.  After a few years of auto industry woes, their profits have been down.  Not the best news for a good line-up of automobiles.  Now that things are starting to turn around for the auto world, BMW is expecting to see profits rise again starting 2010 and continuing through 2012.  This is due largely in part to one of their top series:  The Chicago 5 series.

Even though BMW’s profits were down compared to the sales revenue they were used to, they were still making profit when a lot of other car companies either were not, or were going under completely.  They’ll have a lot of work to do over the next few years to figure out new ways to generate profits.  This year they are releasing a 5 series specifically for the Chinese market and that line up will get a hybrid version in 2011.  I’m not 100% sure if the Chicago BMW m5 will be seen on the roads in China too?  BMW could also see profit with a compact car, which may be on roadways by 2014?

The Chicago 5 Series is a great choice if a luxury car is in your budget.  There are several trims available, such as the 528i, 535i, and 550i.  The Chicago BMW m5 is also an option that will give you top performance!  The 5 series ranks very high in performance.  The range of engines that come in each trim give the most power they can, while offering the driver a smooth ride.  The 5 Series also handles excellently!

The 5 series comes primarily in rear-wheel drive, but some of the newer models offer all-wheel drive features.  If you like wagons, the 5 series also is available in that type.  Whether you choose a sedan or wagon, you’ll find a lot of room and a luxurious interior designed with quality materials.

I hope the Chicago 5 series that’s on the market now and the updated 2011 version coming out in the future, helps BMW get back on the fast track to maximum profits!