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!

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!