I am trying to install a 1998 z3 BMW Radio into my 1995 325is. Everything
fits into place perfectly, but it is asking me for a code. What can I do?
The person I got the radio from does not have the radio manual for her z3.
I wouldn't imagine the code would be in there anyways. What can I do to
obtain the code? Do I need the code?
> I am trying to install a 1998 z3 BMW Radio into my 1995 325is. Everything
> fits into place perfectly, but it is asking me for a code. What can I do?
> The person I got the radio from does not have the radio manual for her z3.
> I wouldn't imagine the code would be in there anyways. What can I do to
> obtain the code? Do I need the code?
The dealer lookup the code from her VIN, but they will only do it for her.
> I am trying to install a 1998 z3 BMW Radio into my 1995 325is. Everything
> fits into place perfectly, but it is asking me for a code. What can I do?
> The person I got the radio from does not have the radio manual for her z3.
> I wouldn't imagine the code would be in there anyways. What can I do to
> obtain the code? Do I need the code?
1. Create a new post, do not reply to an existing post and change the topic.
2. The Code is a theft deterent. when the radio is stolen and the power is
removed, it will not operate again unless the correct code is entered via
the radio station preset buttons. The person you bought the radio from can
give you the Radio Owner's Manual, and the code will be on a plastic card in
that book. Or, the person that sold you the radio can take their ID and
Registration card to the dealership, and the dealership can tell you the
code. If you go with the original purchaser, I suppose you might be able to
get the new code plugged into the computer so a future buyer of your car
won't be screwed. If you sell your car and the next buyer takes the radio
out, OR has a dead battery, the code will be lost. Your VIN will not give
the correct radio code at that time unless you do something today.
Don - 09 Mar 2005 21:06 GMT
>>I am trying to install a 1998 z3 BMW Radio into my 1995 325is. Everything
>>fits into place perfectly, but it is asking me for a code. What can I do?
>>The person I got the radio from does not have the radio manual for her z3.
>>I wouldn't imagine the code would be in there anyways. What can I do to
>>obtain the code? Do I need the code?
> 2. The Code is a theft deterent. when the radio is stolen and the power is
> removed, it will not operate again unless the correct code is entered via
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> out, OR has a dead battery, the code will be lost. Your VIN will not give
> the correct radio code at that time unless you do something today.
Actually - the code is read by the radio SN from BMW's computer. To find
the SN of a late model "Business" radio:
1. Turn it on
2. Within 10 seconds press the "M" button and hold it in
The first number in the display that comes up should be the radio SN.
If you take this number to your friendly local BMW dealer and nicely ask
at the service desk - they will probably look it up for you. If
they're not so nice (I've gotten them over the phone - but they know me)
- they may want to look at the radio themselves, and/or remove it to
look for the SN on the back (thereby justifying a service charge..)
If you're like me - you'll then write the number down in the owners
manual, in the hope that some poor misguided drug addict will steal the
damn thing, justifying me getting the newer one with the CD player in it.