I don't know if I'm late to the party or if others have stated this...
Suddenly, my iPhone - when connected to my mini audio - 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 may actually listen to music now. I can only assume it's the latest Apple OS unless the Mini gods downloaded something to my car when I wasn't looking.

 

How do you connect you the system with your phone, sorry new guy and just trying to figure these things out. Thanks!!

 

It's a specific cord that has the dock connector on one end and splits into a aux cable and USB cable (BMW iDRIVE iPOD iPHONE iPAD CABLE ADAPTER). I have my phone on an arm/stand that is bolted to the passenger seat rail. The ports are in the dark area under the A/C.

And...I just realized that I posted in the 1st Generation thread. I have a 2009, so perhaps just forget everything I said. I don't know how it works in the 1st gen.

 

I was just as excited! iOS 6.1 added this FINALLY. I am so glad Apple adjusted this. It has been disabled since the beginning of iOS.

WOOOO!