BMWs show gas prices, weather
BMW's weather data shows up as a graphically rich three-day forecast for the current location of the car.
(Credit: BMW)Keeping up with the trend of offering external data connections in cars, BMW announced the addition of gas prices, weather forecasts, and stock indices to its existing Google Maps connection. Drivers will be able to view a list of nearby fuel stations with gas prices; select the cheapest; and have the address automatically entered in the navigation system, catching up to a feature already offered by Ford.
Weather shows up as a graphically rich three-day forecast for the current location of the car or any destination. BMW says the system will also show weather advisories. Stock information, provided by Bloomberg, is limited to real-time updates of the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500.
The new information sources are available on the 2009 1-, 3-, and 7-series, and on the Z4, as long as they're equipped with the navigation system and BMW Assist. 2010 5- and 6-series BMWs with navigation and BMW Assist will also get the new system.
