I have an 02 X5, so mine is based on the older CD system. It does lower the radio when communicating, but I don't think it says street names. Only gives distances and which way to turn. For example; "prepare to turn right in 400 feet". I don't really use it very much. I will say that with updated mapping cd's it has worked very well for me when I have utilized it. GPS has come a long way in the past few years, so the new systems are head and shoulders above the older ones when it comes to text-to-speech, points of interest, and real time traffic updates.

On another note, good choice on the X. Chances are you will love it. If I were you I wouldn't pass up a good X just because it didn't have a nav system. I'm sure those window mounted units will work just as well if not better. After you drive an X5 a few times you won't care where you are going anymore and just enjoy the long way. GPS, what?

__________________
Profeshenal spellar