Radio Blues

[bmwprobs]

I have purcased a 1993 525i and the radio keeps displaying 'code'
Well obviously it wont work seeing as how i dont have the code.
I have called several BMW dealerships and have spoken to their parts departments.
They all have said that the only way they can help me is if i brin gin my car.
Well i would like to try a few more things on the world wide web before i lug myself up to the closest dealership. So, Ta-da, here i am!

-I have read in several different places that some people have contacted the departments and they have solved their problems via phone. If you have had this situation and have solved it in this way please tell me which dealership you called!
-Or if you have access to the code "database" please help!
-Or if you havve any ideas on what i should do or advice please respond!

Thank you all!

[CarDriver]

What they will need is the serial number to the radio. They would prefer you bring it in so they can charge you for removing it to get the S/N. The SN will be on the Chasis of the unit. (Yes! you will need to remove the radio to get the SN)

On the BMW radio each side, will have tab doors. With a small flat head open the doors, you will need a allen key or BMW "installer" tool the bmw installer can be purchased from dealer, other wise you can use a allen which will not fit perfectly so you will need to turn it counter clock wise at a angle with pressure to unscrew radio. After removing radio pull up on the harness plug slider and remove antenna wire, This removes your radio for 84-99 3 series, 89-95 5 series, 88-01 7 series cars.

[CarDriver]

There are also online Sites that will get the code for you but you would still need to pull the unit and get the SN and they would charge you like 30 bucks to email you the code. Not sutch a good deal. Stear away from them. All they will do is call BMW with your SN and get the code...

[bmwprobs]

thank you!

[Tourburgring]

My dealer was able to get the radio code for me using just the last 8 digits of the VIN#.
Apparently they have two ways of doing it, one via the radio serial # and another by VIN#.
Obviously the VIN# method avoids having to remove the radio, although that really isn't that difficult. The "special installer tool" is actually a small Torx screwdriver (I forget the number) although a small allen key usually works as well.

[bmwprobs]

Thank you!

[THeGAME]

Hey tour B!
Whats the number for your dealer?

[Tourburgring]

Performance BMW Parts Dept. Direct Line 905-322-2053 (EST Time zone).

[bmwprobs]

Thank you!
I am giving them a ring first thing monday morning!

[attack eagle]

it is a good Idea to pull the radio out anyway... who knows if it was ever replaced with another?

[THeGAME]

Lol..
You might want to warn them they are about to get ALOT of calls..
TY for the info!

[Tourburgring]

Any BMW Parts Dept. should be able to do this, its just that some are not too cooperative. They did warn me that sometimes neither of their code search software gives the correct result. Attack Eagle is also correct, if the radio has been changed then obviously the VIN# search will only give the original radio code.

[bmwprobs]

I got a hold of them and got the code.
BUT
It is either incorrect or i am putting it in wrong
How do you put the code in?

[Tourburgring]

You enter the code by using the preset station keys numbered 1 through 6. It will 'beep' at you each time you enter a number and then if correct it will activate the radio. A double beep means the wrong code has been entered. The word "Code" must be in the display before you start. If it isn't, you need to switch the radio off for 20 minutes and try again.

It's possible if the radio was ever changed that you have the wrong code.

[bmwprobs]

i AM 100% positive that the radio was never changed.
However.
THe radio only beeps once after five keys were pressed.
It still displays 'code'.
Also, i am absolutely sure i can hear the radio playing quetly in the background.
Any suggestions?

[Tourburgring]

Hmmmm....:dunno:
The car was pointing exactly to the North when you did this, right? Otherwise it will never work ;):D
Double check Fuses #18 & #41 as well as the one on the back of the radio. The radio has multiple power sources and all need to be in place for everthing to work properly.
I would then try disconnecting the Battery (or the Radio) completely and waiting 20 minutes. Make sure your radio is switched OFF and then re-connect everything. Turn the Key to the Ignition Position and then switch the radio on. CODE should appear in the display. Enter the 5-Digit code with the Preset number keys. Hopefully that will work if they gave you the correct code.
Good luck:)

[bmwprobs]

Ok. I am trying that tomorow.

Were you serious about the pointing north thing?

[cpnwrench]

:smokin:

You are doing it correctly with the right code.

here is the catch.............(cuz I had same problem as you)


don't disconnect battery.



leave key in "ON" position for an hour. Yes an hour. (with radio on).

Notice I did not say "RUN" position like you were starting the car and letting it idle.

the accessory needs to be on so leave KEY in "ON" position for an hour.


after the one hour,, enter your code. radio should be A-OK

:smokin:

cpnwrench

[Tourburgring]

Were you serious about the pointing north thing?

Absolutely !
And after you have fixed the radio let's talk about some "lakefront" property in Florida I have for sale.....:rofl::D;)

[THeGAME]

Just so you know, If you live in the States, calling Ontario isnt going to help you much. They tried though :)

Im doing the "hour" thing right now.

If you live in Bellevue, Issaquah, or the east side area, Eastside Bavarian is a nice shop. Got me in and out in about 10min with the code.

[Tourburgring]

I hope it works for you, keep us posted.:)
I think that BMW must restrict vehicle information to the dealers in the country where the car was delivered. I asked my local dealer to try and get the Service History on my 525iT that I purchased in the USA but he was unable to do so. I know the car was Serviced at a BMW dealer in Pennsylvania but apparently Canadian dealers can't access US service records. Must be the same with the Radio Codes. At least they tried though.

[MR535iOH]

I know for my car i called two dealerships where i live one being Kelly's BMW and the other MAG. Spoke to their parts department and gave them the vin year make and model and they gave me the radio code over the phone. Big hint once you find out the radio code write it down in your owners manual on a page that way it makes it easier to access.