My code does not work

[seethingsaint]

I had to change the battery in my 1990 735i and now when I try to turn on the radio, it asks for a code. I tried to enter the code that came with the car, but it has 5 numbers and I can only enter 4 numbers for the code. Does anyone know how to fix this or have any advice?

[Bear]

I am confused, tell me more, are you saying you only have four buttons on the radio (1-4) or that the code will not take after entering four digits (maybe she beeps)?

[lincolnmaster80]

Bear: I believe the radio only has a four digit code, and he's saying that the code he has is five digit (that's how I interpreted it). I think all radios for BMW were all four digit, but I could be mistaken.

I don't have this problem on my E32 as it's a Japanese spec car and most/all BMW's that were made for the Japanese market never came with radio's from the factory. They were installed upon arrival in Japan. Some radios may have had a code, but my original Sony unit did not.

However, most N.A. spec cars had a radio code. You can phone (or visit) your local BMW dealership and they might be able to get your code for free. Aside from that, I don't believe there is any way to scan for your code. If they do require a fee and if you felt like doing so to, start at 0-0-0-0 and work your way up (0-0-0-1, 0-0-0-2, etc). It'll be pain stakingly long but it'll save you a few dollars if the dealership charges you.

If you have all of your manuals and stuff, look through it for a card with the radio code. Under the rear battery seat, there might be a piece of paper stuffed between the upholstry and the seat frame. This piece of paper had all of the option codes the car came with and I've heard that this paper had the radio code on it too, but I've never seen this paper so I can't say for sure.

[Bear]

Any BMW dealer can give or verify the code (free) if you have your registration and VIN.

[Bear]

interesting in that my son's 1988 735i has the factory radio and there are five buttons on that radio.

[lincolnmaster80]

Maybe they are five digit codes...I always thought they were four. To be honest, I don't know how many digits they are as my car's radio doesn't have a code.