Engine power, efficiency, and other features are often big draws for people who are looking for a vehicle with a little bit of kick.  BMW models are no exception to this rule.  The automaker is about to make the engine choices available in cars here in the U.S. very interesting.

Change in Focus

Later this year, BMW is bringing four-cylinder engines back to the U.S.  They have not been seen in new or used BMW Chicago models since 1999.  Why is BMW interested in having them here in the U.S. again?  One big reason is that the shift has focused away from only having a powerful engine to one that is also more fuel efficient.  This is not surprise, as we have seen gas prices at all time highs over the past few years.  A four-cylinder engine that is better on fuel, while still providing some ample power to drivers, seems like a very good combination!

Moreover, BMW models manufactured on a smaller scale such as a 1 or 3 series, Chicago suburban residents can purchase at Patrick BMW, can sometimes be overpowered by a V6.  Therefore, a four-cylinder that’s still fine tuned to provide a powerful drive might be a better fit for these sizes of vehicles.  The larger engines might be left for options like the 5 series,  7 series, and X5, just for example.

The all-new engine choice is a 2.0 liter, four cylinder that has some specifications that will allow it to pump out even more power than the current six-cylinder found in certain models.  The performance will come to an owner thanks to turbocharging and a direct-injection fuel system that’s operated by high pressure.  BMW recognizes the need for this technology, as other automakers are also focusing on similar engines for some of their vehicles.

Past Models

If you followed classic models that might’ve once been a part of the used BMW Chicago inventory, some of these included four-cylinder options, such as the following:

• 1600, 2002 or 320i model with a 1.6, 1.8 or 2-liter four-cylinder engine- manufactured in the 1960′s and 1970′s

BMW’s technology at that time allowed for some pretty cool vehicles to own the roadway.  Today’s engineering should be no different!

The 1 series is set to get the ultra-sporty M badge to entice those performance seekers.  The 1-series M will roll out this Spring, but there will be a limited amount allotted to certain dealerships.  We’d like to show you some of its fabulous features. 

Design

This two-door coupe will come with a large list of styling factors that will make it a coveted vehicle amongst BMW lovers all over.  Since the M badge is equated with offering optimal performance, this all-new vehicle comes with some features that enhance the aerodynamics.  One marked amenity are the use of air curtains.  It’s true, you cannot find these on other Chicago used BMW 1 series vehicles for sale now at Patrick BMW.  Engineers for the automaker have been working on perfecting them since they were shown on a concept vehicle several years ago.

The air curtains help reduce turbulence around the wheels which can affect the coupe reaching its optimal performance.  The air curtains work by channeling the high pressure to the front of the wheel arches as opposed to the wind completely surrounding the wheels.  The air then acts like a curtain, helping the overall aerodynamics.

The 1-series M coupe also comes in exciting colors and boasts some other stand-out parts such as these:

• LED headlights that have an “eyebrow” shape, a M coupe distinction
• Front grille with a shape similar to a honeycomb that contains 3 air intakes
• Exterior body that is very symmetrical, another stand-out feature of the M badge

Engine

Like other autos for sale at your suburban Chicago BMW dealer, Patrick BMW, the 1 series M coupe has an engine that gives it a powerful drive.  It features a twin-turbo, inline 3.0 Liter six-cylinder engine that is designed to work closely with the accelerator thanks to an advanced direct-injection system.  It gives the coupe the power it needs, does it quickly, to give you a heart-pounding ride. Of course, if you end up being lucky enough to drive or own one, we want to you enjoy this high-performing car safely.

To find out when and where this exciting new 1-series M model will be sold, contact the staff here at our store!

Perceptions of a brand are oh-so important.  A really good experience keeps a customer coming back for more and they will often tell others of their favorable time spent at a store or business.  Lucky for BMW, overall, consumers rank our cars in a favorable way.  This is proof by some solid results complied during a phone survey conducted by Consumer Reports staff. 

In December, around 1700 households with at least one car registered to the address were contacted and asked questions about seven key areas that a majority of drivers feel are important:

• Safety
• Quality
• Value
• Performance
• Design/Style
• Technology/innovation
• Environmentally friendly/green

The top brands were calculated by the amount of times the brand was mentioned after a prompt from the brand being mentioned a choice divided by the amount of times the brand was mentioned with out any aid.  BMW, thanks to models like new and used 7 series Chicago northwest suburb residents can find at Patrick BMW, ranks in the top 5 of the best consumer perception category.  Very nice results that those of us here at the dealership are proud to highlight. 

2011 7 Series

The 2011 7 series is a very high class sedan that you shouldn’t pass up if you want to drive in style everywhere you go.  At our store, we offer several trims such as the 740i, 704Li, 750i, and an all new Activehybrid, to name a few of the choices.  The Activehybrid 750i and 750Li offer the 7 series fan the best gas mileage of any of the models that are part of this series’ line-up.  This is a result from a pairing of a twin-turbo V8 and a single electric motor.  All of the models in this series come with many excellent features, such as a ten-speaker surround sound stereo system and a navigation system that works with voice recognition and is powered by a hard drive.   These can be enjoyed by comfortable high-quality leather seating and dual zone climate control. 

If you stop by the Chicago dealership BMW fans trust, you’ll find many other fabulous models, in addition to the 7 series discussed here.  We promise to keep consumer perceptions of BMW cars high so that our current customers stay happy and new ones discover what BMW is all about.

It’s been ten years since BMW has been a part of any advertising or marketing during the Super Bowl.  With the upcoming big game on February 6, 2011 this is all going to change.  Thanks to a new budget and new creative team, you’ll be able to see some new models showcased during this big event that most of us look forward to each winter!   Some of these models can be found at your local Chicago dealer in BMW new and used cars, Patrick BMW.

2011 5 Series

This is one line-up that BMW will be showcasing during the Super Bowl.  This is a great sedan if you are shopping for something new and luxurious.  It features some fresh design components, longer wheelbase, and lower roofline that when put all together offer a sleek, modern design sure to lure existing 5 series fans into their favorite dealership for a test drive!  It also features a new engine set up that features direct-injection, more power, and better efficiency. Also, the 2011 models were chosen as top safety picks.  The Chicago 5 series is currently offered at our store in the 528i, 535i, 535i Xdrive, 550i,and the 550i with the all-wheel drive options.  Check these out now at Patrick BMW.

2011 6 series coupe

The 6 series coupe was unveiled more as a concept that will eventually be rolled out to BMW dealerships, but this model is sportier and has more performance enhancements compared to others.  The elaborate, 2 door design sits lower to the ground and has an aerodynamic design to give it as much power as possible.  Like other BMW models on the market today, you’ll find all the luxury you’d expect with a stylish, high-quality interior design and use of materials, up to date technology, and plenty of safety features.  The 6 series coupe concept will serve as the basis of future 6 series design and engineering.  We’ll be anxious to see this exciting model in the spotlight on Super Bowl Sunday!

BMW will also showcase a 6 series concept convertible and the all new ActiveE concept the company is currently working on.  If you want to see other new or used models currently in stock, visit your Chicago dealer in BMW cars, Patrick BMW!

To receive a top rating from the IIHS a vehicle must score a top rating of “Good” in several key areas.  The IIHS performs comprehensive side, front, rear and rollover crash tests.  The Chicago 5 series came out of all four crash tests with the rating of “good”. This means that the sedan is engineered in a quality way that will allow a driver or passenger that sustains a crash in any of these areas to hopefully come out of the accident with as little injury as possible.  The rollover testing is even more thorough, thanks to the roof strength tests that are more comprehensive.

The 5 series comes standard with many safety features.  Let’s check a few of these out.

Electronic Stability Control

This feature comes standard with all 5 series models.  It is a vital system that allows a car with an ABS system to individually apply the brakes to the wheels as needed.  It’s a high-tech system that works with the car to detect any out of the ordinary rotational speed of the wheels.  If the ESC system detects over or under steering, it’ll work to bring the 5 series back to its intended driving path.  The ESC will also help with handling and steering in many different driving conditions.

Airbags

The 2011 5 series comes fitted with plenty of airbags to keep travelers safe when needed.  You can find a driver air bag, passenger air bag with an on/off switch, side and rear air bags in this sedan.  These will for sure be vital if you are unfortunately involved in an accident.  The on-off switch for the passenger air bags is nice also, as it allows the driver to avoid it going off if he or she is the only passenger in the car.

Of course, should you have any specific questions about the safety of your 2011 or other model year 5 series, the staff here at Patrick BMW, a top Chicago dealer in BMW new and used models, is here to help you get the information you need!