I have the iPod/USB adapter cable. When I plug it in and switch to iPod in the head unit, the music just starts playing. I can figure out no way to start and stop music playback, nor does the manual indicate any way, using the MINI controls. Is there a way, other than switching away from iPod?

Also, why can't I get apps to play through the system? For example, I have the Waze GPS app in my iPhone. When I have the iPhone plugged in and selected, the Waze instructions still play through the iPhone speakers, not through the connection and the car speakers.

 

I believe you have to have MINI Connected in order for anything but music to play.

As for controlling your tunes, your manual does tell you how to control what you're listening to; you can select music by artist, album, genre, playlist, track name, etc. However, you can't pause playback manually (though it will pause automatically if you have Bluetooth and you get a call).

 

Pressing the volume button turns off the stereo...

As far as the other thing, that's not how the interface works. If you want to here all the sounds from your phone through the speakers you can only use an aux cable; the ones with a male headphone jack on both ends.

 

I've noticed the difference from my R56 MCS and the R58 Coupe S I now own

Both have Bluetooth/iPod interface and both allow Spotify tracks to be streamed from iPhone thru stock radio but....

The R56 steering wheel control actually changed Spotify tracks
It was toooo cool

However, press a steering wheel control in my Coupe while Spotify is playing and it immediately bounces you into iPod tracks

Why did this change? Does it have anything to do with extra cable connector I had to buy ($75) so the iPhone 4 would charge in the R56

I notice that extra connector is not needed in the Coupe

Confused
pac

 

Well, I found the solution to one issue. Turns out Waze has an option to send its sound output through the iPhone speakers. Disable that and the voice commands come through the car sound system just fine.

Slacker (a better Internet radio option than Pandora, I think) and the MLB app broadcasts work fine as well.

I guess it's just unfortunate that there's no start/stop/pause controls when an iDevice is connected and playing.

 

My case is opposite, I have 2012 MCS R56 and when I tried using steering wheel control change song it bounces into iPod tracks. now I have to mount my phone and do next song control on phone.