New X3 Nav User: Silly questions.

[PeterNYC]

Just took delivery of our 2006 X3 today....we ordered the prem package, DSP and Nav system....I've read a few posts on here re version 27.1, etc.

Our nav seems about as basic as it gets...I believe our view is limited to "bird's eye"....though i've read here about "perspective" views...what is that, and how do i access?

I have no idea what version we are running...the dealer said "well, the DVID is from 2006, so it must be the latest" ... very helpful.

Tonight we used the nav system...the maps didn't show every road we were on (when it didn't it just shows the pointer kind of the middle of nowhere)

Is it possible that the X3 only has a basic nav system? is there a way i can contact Navquest for more info? Or will the dealer update the system?

Sorry if there are basic questions....I am just wondering if we're getting the most out of the system

[Brian-bmw]

Your X3 should have the same nav system as in the E38, E39, X5, and Z4. So, it ought to be pretty current, and I will take a shot at what you may be seeing...

You probably have the latest map disk, but you may not have the latset OS version. Go to the "SETTINGS" menu, and you should have a version number in the upper right corner of the screen. What is that version number? (It needs to be either 4-1/70 higher to get Perspective.)

If you have 4-1/70 or higher, you need to enable the Perspective feature by doing a one-time setting change in the nav computers service menu. Do this:

* Push the "MENU" button to get to the the main menu.
* Scroll to the "SETTINGS" menu selection and click the knob to select it.
* Push and hold the "MENU" button for about 8 seconds to enter the GPS Service Menu.
* Scroll beyond the bottom to a 2nd page, where you will get the Perspective option.
* Click the knob on the Perspective option to select it. - Now you will be able to select Perspective within the navigation map view.

The nav system shows fewer and fewer roads, the greater the scale setting. At 1/4 mile and below, it will show you every road. At 1/8 mile and below, it will show you street names. At 1/2 mile and above, it will show you major roads.

[PeterNYC]

thanks a lot Brian...I'll run out to the car and try all that....I'll let you know what version it is...I figured it would be a recent version, but when i asked the guy who sold us the car about the OS and what version it was, he looked at me as if i had 3 heads...Nice guy, and he delivered us what we wanted, but not really up on all the tech details

[PeterNYC]

we are running version SW 4-1/70....is that the "highest"?

I did find the perspective option on that menu and did select it...So thanks for the info.

is there any other customization i can do?

thanks for all the help

[Brian-bmw]

Version 4-1/71 is the highest. Though, we do not know yet what the differences are between 4-1/70 and 4-1/71. Plus, I do not think that US dealers have received 4-1/71 yet, so they probably would not be able to upgrade you. I would just enjoy the version you have.

Take a slow read through the navigation manual, because that is the best place to start. Then, after you tinker with the system for a little while and let it "navigate" you, you will get a very good feel for it. There is not a lot to add or customize.