Radio Problem

[1fastpt]

I just bought a 97 740i and it was sitting for 6 months. Put in a new battery, and the radio and the thing beside the tape deck doesn't work. I did not get the radio manual with this car, and all the fuses have power. I though it would have a radio code but it does not. I didn't pull out the stereo to see if there is a fuse behind the deck. Any help would be nice. Thanks

[libertylover]

You'll have to have the radio code which you can get from the dealer using the VIN if the radio is the original. If it's a replacement radio, you'll have to remove it and take it to the dealer -and convince them you're not a hoodlem :-) Then turn on the radio and it will display "CODE". Enter the 5 digit code and it should work. I do it all the time.

As for the thing next to the tape deck, I'm guessing you mean the On-Board Computer (OBC). It probably does work but it has some lights for the display that go out and then you can only see the display at night. If that's the case, you'll need to remove the OBC and replace the bulbs. Go to the link below and then to "Replacing OBC Backlights" for instructions. (These instructions also include how to remove the radio.) Make sure to buy the bulbs listed at this website. (The dealer books are wrong and the bulbs they give you will work but only for about a week.)

Here's the link: http://www.nmia.com/~dgnrg/page_35.htm

Please keep us informed.

[1996BMW750il]

I'm not sure if this is the OBC or the Equalizer in your car. If it is the Equalizer, it probably won't work at all if the radio doesn't work.

[sgtrodswife]

You'll have to have the radio code which you can get from the dealer using the VIN if the radio is the original. If it's a replacement radio, you'll have to remove it and take it to the dealer -and convince them you're not a hoodlem :-) Then turn on the radio and it will display "CODE". Enter the 5 digit code and it should work. I do it all the time.

Is there more to the resetting of the radio than just entering the five digits? I ask because I know my five digit code but simply entering these when the "code" display comes on does not reset the radio...

Any help will be appreciated

[libertylover]

Hmmm. I don't know what to tell you. Mine switches immediately to FM after I enter the code when "CODE" is displayed. Are you sure you have the right code? If so, must be an internal radio malfunction.

[crash8168]

There is no radio code for E38 740. Check your fuses and grounds and maybe unhook the battery and reconnect it.

[jeffreyb4me]

go crash8168, go! your replies are spot-on. A tip when disconnecting the battery for a problem like this.........with BOTH cables DISCONNECTED and the battery terminals covered, momentarily connect the two CABLE ENDS together with a small jumper wire........this will discharge any pesky electrons that don't know where to go.