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!

The 2011 BMW M3 is a fun, sporty car!  It comes with many awesome features that make driving it so great!  BMW has announced that some additional features are available that will make your M3 stand out even more when parked next to a Chicago X3.

The accessories are going to be made from a carbon fiber.  There are several advantages to having car features made from this type of material.  The carbon fiber offers a lower weight than accessories made from steel or other more dense options.  The fibers are ideal in situations where low weight is desired, as in the auto industry, aerospace, and motor sports.  The lower weight allows less drag, helping the auto move as fast as it can.  When you have a car like the 2011 M3, you want it to speed down the open roads as optimally as it can! 

These carbon fiber accessories include a front splitter, mirror caps, and a rear decklid spoiler.  If your purchase all of these your M3 is going to be one good looking coupe!  The splitter and spoiler are said to help provide additional downforce, which is a plus if you plan on using the car to do some racing!   It’s important to note that the front splitter and mirror caps can be fitted to any M3 trim:  the coupe, convertible, or sedan.  The spoiler is only available to use on the coupe and sedan!

Each of these parts carry a two year warranty if purchased for an M3 you are already driving.  This warranty jumps to four years if the accessories are put on before the owner takes the wheel of his or her M3.  Pricing has not been announced as of about four weeks ago, but keep checking with your Chicago BMW Z4 dealer for further details on these awesome features!

Check out the 2011 M3 coupe, sedan, or convertible today to find the trim and options that fit your style!  Your local dealer also has plenty of  1, 3, 5, and 7 series models, along with the Chicago X3 for you to test drive!

Watching the Jetsons after school is one of many memories I have from my childhood.  I’d go my great aunt’s after school until my parents  picked me up and watch it along with other cartoons.  I always thought a car that could fly in the air was so cool!  Well, we still aren’t there yet, but modern technology certainly advances our way of life each and every day.

I recently came across some information about amenities that could soon be a part of your Chicago BMW.  Several car giants are making the Internet a reality in some of their autos.  It’s only a matter of time before the craze catches on to other models, especially ones that will make their way to a BMW dealer in Chicago.

Right now, in-car technology, such as navigation systems, has to be purchased and then installed with specific hardware so it operates properly.   The new system, by using a touch screen, would only require software to set it up.  For example, the new MyFord Touch allows a touch screen to go from a navigation tool to a music selector to finding the nearest Italian restaurant, much like the iPhone and it’s various applications.

Certain carmakers, such as BMW, are already experimenting with Internet in some of their Chicago BMW models.  According to one analyst in the industry, in the next 5 years, 1 of every 4 autos on the road (25%) will be connected to the Internet.  We certainly rely on it now more than ever, but is it really safe to have in your car?

Safety is one aspect that has been considered and studied closely.  If it’s illegal to text while driving, or talk on a cell while in a construction zone, how can you be “online” while cruising down 355?  The answer is voice-activation, all of this would be hands free.  Experts working in this arena are also saying that the touch screens would have advanced safety systems, such as alerting you if the car is going to fast and slowing it down to avoid an accident.

All of this is very interesting.  I think there’s something to be said about concentrating on driving properly and keeping passengers safe.  So much activity, even hands free, can cause you distractions and make for unsafe driving…..What do you think?  Weigh in on our blog!

Check out this video for the latest 2010 Chicago BMW 7 Series information. We have a large selection of 7 Series on the lot so make sure you swing by the dealership to see one up close and personal!