RADIO Showing CODE BMW 1988 735i

[enurkus]

Just purchased BMW 735i 1988 model. Theres no dealer in provience where I live. I have followed the instructions in the manuel to reset the radio which is showing CODE. Nothing happening just coming back to CODE. The battery needed a boost when I first went to see the car. Can anyone walk me through how to reset it.

Thanks.

[libertylover]

Not much to it really, assuming you have the correct radio code.

You should have the code in your documentation. It's a 5-digit code using only the digits 1-6 (because they use the radio preset buttons to enter the code).

If you don't have the code, take your registration and/or title to the dealer and they can look it up assuming you have the original radio installed.

Armed with the code:
1)Turn the ignition to a point where the radio works.

2)Turn on the radio. The word "CODE" will appear in the little window.

3)Enter your 5-digit code. Note that the digits are not echoed on the little screen, so just enter the code. If you make a mistake, finish entering 5 digits with any ole digits, then try again. If you screw it up three times you have to run around the car clockwise 3 times touching the BMW emblem on the hood as you go by and then around the car counterclockwise 3 times doing the same thing, all within 1 minute. Just kidding, but you DO have to wait a while, an hour I think with the radio on. Once you enter the code correctly the radio will switch to the FM band and all is well.

[ibew595]

If you make a mistake then you will have plenty of time to wash and wax. Kiss the roundel too.

[My735iBH]

The code is 15665 its on the back of the radio but you need a special tool to remove the radio a 5 sided allen wrench costs about $15.00. It a pain in the ass, you have just keep entering the code again,and again, etc. till it takes. I was so frustrated I wanted to turn the radio into a freezbee! Mine finally came back after about 3 days of entering the code, every time I went somewhere or turned on the car I entered the code it finally came up. Here is a warning you should be aware of "DO NOT LET THE BATTERY GO DEAD!" the door will go into dead lock and your key won't work on any lock to open the doors. And oh yes you'll go through the radio thing again. It you don't drive for an exteneded period lift the rear seat put out of the way any attach a trickle charger. 12VDC 1-2 amps very light charge. My battery went dead in about 14days, and showed no electrical issue, just the nature of the beast.

Bill

[libertylover]

My735iBH: "The code is 15665 its on the back of the radio but you need a special tool to remove the radio a 5 sided allen wrench costs about $15.00. It a pain in the ass, you have just keep entering the code again,and again, etc. till it takes."

Hmmm. Something wrong here. Every unit has a different code and it's NOT on the back of the radio (unless someone wrote it there). The whole idea of the code is to deter theft since that the unit won't work without the code. If it's written on the back the thief would then have the code as well.

The 5-sided tool is a waaaay overpriced and provides virtually no theft-deterrent quality. It's needed to remove the radio but not to enter the radio code.

Trying the code over and over and over? Again, something wrong. The design is that after 3 failures you have to follow a special procedure in the owner's manual.

The "trick" to getting into the car with a dead battery is to lift up on the door handle as you turn the key. You may have to lift the handle 2-3 times to "pump up" the door lock, but it WILL open with the key.