hacks & os upgrades compatible with E70 X5?
 

Are the start screen hacks, and nav OS updates discussed on here compatible with the new E70 series X5?

Nope. E70 is a MOST based system and all software updates are done via the BMW diagnostic system. AFAIK, you cannot load software via the nav drive - but someone please correct me if i am wrong.

mm ok well that sux... I dont like the id-drive interface,.. and the splash screens are boring..Do you think it is hackable at all? (I gues that's a stupid question.. cos someone will say that anything can be hacked given the time & resources!.. or inside information??)

Hackable? Like this:
Get the BMW diagnostic system and the latest update files
Study the files, find the GIF image, change it, then load new software into the car.

Oh: you can only do this is you are BMW :-)

What about upgraded maps - are they loaded via DVD in the E70 or can that only be done by the dealer as well ?

Map data is always loaded by CD/DVD. For i-bus Mk4 vehicles (E46, E83, old X5 etc) it's HIGH DVD's, for new MOST bus vehicles it's PROFESSIONAL DVD's. The two are not interchangeable so make sure you get the correct one for your vehicle.

Thanks Trapdoor.