Car no longer playing music from iPhone7 via USB

[Gop-Dogg]

My car suddenly stopped playing music from my iPhone7 (iOS 11.1.2) while connected via USB from the center armrest a few days ago. Prior to this, it's never had any issues with my previous iPhone5, iPhone6 and current iPhone7, all connected via USB cable in the center armrest. The weird thing is that the car recognizes the phone and actually lists the songs from the phone on the display. It just won't play anything. Looking at the phone lock screen while connected to the car, the Music player app keeps flashing up on the screen and then closing. I tried connecting the phone with two different Lightning-to-USB cables, but the results are the same.

My car is a 2011 M3 (post-LCI) with the HK radio and i-Drive/Nav system.

Anyone had this happen? Any ideas as to what the problem is and a possible solution?

[Pelican Parts]

I've heard of this happening before, I believe the actual USB connection in the armrest was faulty.