"Code" for Radio on '89 535i

[DonJose45]

My '89 535i was sidelined last fall for about three months. I ended up having to purchase and install a new battery. When I got the car rolling, I discovered that my radio was not working. It's the original stereo/cassette version.

The message screen said that I need some sort of code to get things going again. I have no idea what this code is, or what to do to get the radio rolling again.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

DonJose45

[4-Door Flunky]

Howdy, Jose-
I had to take my radio out and get some numbers off of the back of it, then take that information to a dealer. Once the dealer has the info, he can look it up on a web site to which only dealers have access.
The code for my radio is four digits. When you turn the car on after the power has been off, the radio will show the message "code". You enter the code by pushing the radio pre-set buttons.
My dealer provided this information free of charge. I've heard of others charging up to $30 for a code.
Good luck!
Flunky

[uscharalph]

The serial number on the radio and proof of ownership of the car will get you the code at the dealership.

[csieminski]

The dealer should not charge you anything to find this out. I wrote down the serial number from the back of my radio and presented it to the guy at the service desk. It took him about 1 minute to look it up in his computer program, after which he printed a sheet of paper with the code on it and gave it to me. Done. If a dealer tries to charge you $30, go to another dealer.

[4-Door Flunky]

And all goes well, as long as your serial number is on that web site. For two of the radios I brought in, the dealer said, "We'll have to make an information request. I call you when I have that code."
That was 6 months ago...
I'd be more angry, but I just wrecked my E28. It was very sad, and totally my fault for driving like a jackass. Now I'm selling parts so I can get another.
Flunky
PS-Anyone want two radios without the code?

[csieminski]

Flunky, very sorry to hear about your 535i. Everyone drives like a jackass some of the time. Most of us are fortunate enough not to have external forces intervene while we are at it, but sometimes I guess it is just sort of (un)luck of the draw. E28s are so dirt cheap now, you should be able to get a nice new one in no time at all . I liked mine a lot more than people give it credit for.

There's a guy in San Diego who apparently works on BMW radios, among others. http://www.radiomanrepair.com/BMWRadioRepair/index.html. He has not done anything for me, nor am I aware of any references, but I figured this may be helpful to you or others who view this forum. I don't know if he perhaps has access to radio codes, but you can e-mail him to find out.