security system and the radio

[Why not]

Please help!! I have had to replace my battery and now my radio won't work. What do I do? I have read the owners manual and can't get it to work using the directions. Any suggestions?

[nokie351]

Hi
You should be able to enter the radio code that came with the owners manual. It's a five digit number, printed on a card that slips in the pocket of the owners manual.
Usually when the battery power gets cut to the radio, it thinks it's been out of the dash and is waiting for the code to be reentered before working again.

[csieminski]

I've had extensive experience with this.

Supposedly, when a new BMW is sold, it should come with two cards that have the radio code on them. It's a five-digit number entered using the radio presets after power has been disconnected from the radio for any reason.

My first BMW, a 1986 528e, did not have these cards; instead, the code was scrawled in pencil on a random page in the owner's manual (and not identified as anything--just "12545"). So check whatever of the car's literature you have for something like this.

My new BMW, a 1990 535i, came with all literature except the radio code cards. No one I spoke with could tell me what the code was. I was told that I could take it to a dealer, which would charge me $30+ to pull the radio out, locate the serial number, and find the code in a database. I instead pulled the radio out myself (really simple--flip open the black screw covers on either side of the radio face and use a small hex wrench to carefully loosen the stupid PENTAGONAL screws--then pull the radio out). The serial number is supposed to be engraved into the metal on the back or bottom of the radio, but mine was on a small white sticker affixed to the back. Anyway write down whatever info is on your radio and take this to the dealer. They will then search the make of your radio (Alpine, Pioneer, etc.), match your code, and in less than a minute print you out a sheet of paper listing all the radio information, including the magical five-digit code! My dealer charged me nothing for this service.

[csieminski]

Also! DON'T GUESS! If you enter the wrong code three times, the radio ignores any more entries and must be left on for an hour (while reading "code") before it will pay attention to a legitimate attempt. Screw up again, and the radio must be left on for something like 12 hours before the process can be repeated.

Sounds bizarre, but it's true.