Okay - up early as usual (insomniac...check out the time...). Took a shot of my Nav screen showing menu options. Config menu doesn't provide a settings option for the screen other than night mode and split screen, so perhaps I can't access the perspective view feature of the new Nav software? Any suggestions?

you gotta go into the Config Menu shown on the bottom right first. (some say settings, some sat Set, but it's that bottom left,) go in there using the right dial then hold the menu button for 10+ seconds. I had the car in key position 1 during this. maybe that makes a difference?

Yeah you need to access the hidden menu, then enable perspective mode, then you'll be able to toggle between always north, direction, and perspective.

Managed to sort it out, with a bit of patience and following your directions. The perspective view looks really cool and is certainly an improvement on the older 2D style. Night mode is also a bonus.
I successfully downloaded and burned a newer nav disc (mapping software from V12 to V19) so plan to take some time off today, check out the 'new features' I've now got and enjoy a pleasant drive through the countryside in the X.
Thanks for all your help!

got the discs today, very fast delivery. but unfortunately they are not working for me. maybe my DVD is just not reading it or may a bad burn... i dunno. i think i'm gonna rock to 2005 Nav disc for awhile then just get one of those android units, it can't be any worse than the stock BMW.

Geez - you guys get things soooo cheap. I searched for updated Oceania maps and they ranged in price from A$30 (V17) to over A$300 (most recent). Happy I found a free version posted on GPS Underground (V19).