The type of display (graphics etc) is governed by the operating system version in the nav

Eg: 3D view only occured from a certain OS version.
However, updating the OS version is easy and can readily be done by yourself.
you can check the current OS in the car by looking in the top right-hand corener of the settings screen.
The current version is 4-1/100 - although it displays as 4-1/00.
Older versions would be shown as eg 4-1/50, 4-1/80 etc.

The map CD controls what map information is available to the nav - and an old 2002 map will not have, for example, and roads built in 2005.

Should you get the car then you should update the OS to the latest version, this is easy and free.

Updating the map requires you to purchase a new map disc for your country/area from your local BMW dealer.

how would i go about updating the OS version?

Insert the OS CD and follow the onscreen instructions

lol where do i get an OS CD from though?

bmw os cd - Google Search

is there somewhere where i can just buy a cd and load it that way? i suck with this kinda stuff. everything on the forums says to download it. if someone has the latest version in a cd that i could just install and load and it'll work in a 2003 x5 i'll give you a few bucks for it.

BMW P/N 01 59 0 141 891. Ver.31 or 32.

thanks