I'm not a fan of the std radio interface with the row of buttons that don't line up with the text on screen. I'm always hitting the wrong button. It seems like the Connected interface would be easier and a lot more fun to use.

 

I just got my 2013 R60 S All4 last month. I opted not to get the connected or NAV. Bluetooth is now standard/sirius optional. With a good Android or iOS device the NAV is not worth it. After much research I decided against the connected. I did get the HK audio. I have an iPhone 5 and the new lightning connector no longer streams analog video so anything that uses that no longer works. There just didn't seem to be much functionality for the money at that point. I commute 150 miles a day and I can confirm like others:

Using mini-supplied cable & lightning extension adapter I get all audio through this connection including any streaming apps ( Radio BDC, etc), WAZE audio warnings, audio from all the basic voice-guided apps (AppleMaps, Google Maps, WAZE). When I paired my phone all contacts (iCloud too) loaded in fine. Siri activation needs to be from the phone but the car's mic (now in ceiling in front of driver's visor) picks up voice commands (speak clearly) and the audio comes through the sound system. I also listen to podcasts using Podcast app. The podcast title even shows on the radio display. I have not tried loading music from USB yet since I always have my phone with me. The BMW group is one of the auto groups working to install Siri activation from the wheel but they haven't confirmed yet if there's going to be any backwards compatibility.

Hope this helps you.

 

I am right there.. Those darn buttons and radio are a bad design.
BUT...I did read there is a small ridge on the flat black area just below the numbers. This ridge indicates where the pairs of numbers are in relation to the buttons.

The problem is you can only see this ridge with the right amount and direction of light. To help, I wanted to see if it was possible to remove the lens and paint the ridge white or add a small piece of vinyl over the ridge. With the ridge indicated better there it will be much easier to see where the pairs are.

But I agree not the best design