Sifting through all the BMW Chicago dealerships to find the right fit can be an involved process, especially considering the number of local options. There are various factors to weigh, including proximity, inventory, availability, and overall buying experience.
Read on for our six-point guide to choosing a BMW Chicago dealership, whether in the metro area or surrounding suburbs. Most importantly, you’ll see why Lou Bachrodt BMW blows the competition out of the water.
Why it’s important to choose the right BMW dealership
Finding the right BMW dealership, whether in the Chicago area or elsewhere, is a process. The hard truth is that not every dealer lives up to BMW’s prestigious reputation or luxury brand. For example, some dealers will overcharge for vehicles with underlying, hidden mechanical issues.
Which means the onus is on you to do your research and learn as much as you can about Chicago area BMW dealers. Follow these six points to do just that.
6 factors in choosing a BMW dealership
Choosing among the various BMW Chicago dealerships comes down to six main factors, any of which can make or break the overall experience.
1. Professional facility & environment
The people running your BMW dealership should take their jobs seriously. This starts at the surface level with attention to detail in cleanliness and tidiness. But you should also look a little deeper and ask:
- Does the staff take care of you in a prompt manner? Or are you kept waiting for far too long?
- Do they answer questions in a way that demonstrates deep knowledge of the vehicles?
- Do they sound like they’re reading off a teleprompter, or do they come across as genuine and experienced?
Most of all, make sure the dealership creates an exceptional experience—like the future of the dealership depends on your business. If they care about your experience when you walk in the door, that will likely carry through the whole buying process.
2. Accommodating sales process
Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced the worst parts of buying a car. Namely, pushy salespeople often care more about emptying their inventory than helping customers find the vehicle they need. If you’re once bitten, twice shy, we understand.
That’s why when you look for a BMW Chicago dealer, see if the sales process accommodates your needs, not the other way around. The sales rep should start by asking questions to figure out how to best help you. And when the time comes to talk about financing and customizations, they should only push you toward the options that make sense for your situations.
At Lou Bachrodt BMW, we pride ourselves on a welcoming, stress-free environment that enables you to explore vehicles at your own pace.
3. Expansive inventory
Often, smaller BMW Chicago dealerships will feature a limited inventory. Unfortunately, when inventory is limited, the odds of your ending up with the right vehicle are equally limited. A BMW dealership with a more expansive inventory, however, has more options available.
4. BMW expertise
Part of the benefit of purchasing a BMW from a certified dealer is the range of expertise available, not just on the sales floor, but across the entire team. For instance, at Lou Bachrodt BMW, we feature factory-trained technicians with extensive knowledge of every aspect of BMW design.
This depth of knowledge means our certified pre-owned vehicles pass inspection and are in pristine condition. What's more, our ongoing maintenance services are optimized to extend the life of your vehicle. Finally, we can answer any questions you have—no matter how in-depth or minute—in full.
5. Ongoing BMW maintenance
Choosing a BMW Chicago dealership is about more than your initial purchase. Ideally, you’ll find a trusted partner for ongoing maintenance: engine repairs, battery changes, tire rotations, suspension alignment, and more. Also, a solid BMW dealership should either have the parts you need in stock, or can order one quickly.
If you purchase a vehicle from a reputable BMW dealer, they should help you build a personalized maintenance schedule to maximize the life of your vehicle.
6. Financial advice
Financing a vehicle purchase is an involved endeavor. While many people are hesitant about trusting their dealership with financial decisions, a reputable BMW dealership will have on-site advisors who can walk you through the available options with limited pressure.
How to go about evaluating BMW dealers in Chicago
Evaluating BMW dealerships in Chicago can help ensure a satisfying buying and ongoing maintenance experience. So how do you find out if a dealership meets the criteria mentioned above?
Here are some practical steps to take to start that research process:
- Research the dealership's history and customer reviews, as satisfied customers are highly motivated to leave them.
- Visit the dealership to gauge the quality of their inventory and customer service. During this initial visit, you don’t have to buy or commit to buying. Just get a feel for the place.
- Ask questions. Not only the answers themselves, but how salespeople answer your questions. Do they treat you as a commodity, or as a person?
Final thoughts on choosing a BMW Chicago dealership
If you’re in the market for a new BMW, or need a new place to conduct regular maintenance, look no further than Lou Bachrodt BMW. Our award-winning service provided by our dependable, authentic, and friendly team is sure to answer any questions or concerns you have.
What’s more, Bachrodt is deeply rooted in the local community, serving customers all over the greater Chicago area. Our reputation speaks for itself—if you want a dependable, trustworthy place to purchase your next vehicle, look no further.
