bmw radio code

How ya doin everyone, new to the forums and i have a question. I had taken out my radio on a 318i 1997 and replaced it, now it had asked me for a code and i was told that in order to retrieve the code i have to get the serial number off the radio and call up BMW of america and match up the car and what not to find the code to enter. On the other hand I also found out that there was a universal code that i can enter in order to un-lock the radio, I was wondering if anyone here knew that number and could be able to help me out here. Thank you so much any information is highly appriciated.

i only know of going through the dealer...sry

Dealer can give you the code, you need the car's VIN for that.

A universal code would render the need of a code in the first place pointless. Just go to the dealership.