I don't know if I'm late to the party or if others have stated this...
Suddenly, my iPhone 4S - when connected to my Mini with the BMW cord - lets ME control it. It doesn't go into the mode where only the MINI can control it. This is new and super good. I can actually listen to music now and jump around on the playlists, etc. I can only assume it's the latest Apple OS unless the Mini gods downloaded something to my car when I wasn't looking.

Whatever the reason...it has brought music back to my car in a grand way.

(apologies, moderators...I posted originally in the wrong forum)

 

It is a feature of the new OS 6.1

 

This is awesome. The controls from the unit were so clunky. Another benefit to this is you can activate some of the EQ settings which helps a little with the base system's sound quality.