Radio - Where do I find the passcode?

[msr]

Hi,

I have had my 318 for a few years now, but I recently encountered a problem.

I had to replace the battery in my car, and when I put a new one in, my radio failed to work. I went to a local dealership to figure out the problem, and they told me that there was some sort of passcode that needed to be entered in order for me to get the stereo working again.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to find this passcode nor how to enter it in if I were to find it. Does anybody have any suggestions? I bought this car secondhand, so I don't have all the original manuals, but I know that the car was originally purchased in Virginia. Must I contact that dealership?

Thanks for your help!


Matt

[Bluebimma]

I not too sure, but if its the original equipment that came with the car, then i think youd be able to give the dealership your VIN and they can look up your passcode. If not, search through your documents and see if you can find a 4-digit code. If all fails, then you might need to change it out for an aftermarket unit.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by Bluebimma

I not too sure, but if its the original equipment that came with the car, then i think youd be able to give the dealership your VIN and they can look up your passcode. If not, search through your documents and see if you can find a 4-digit code. If all fails, then you might need to change it out for an aftermarket unit.

Basically what he said,you need to contact a dealership and give them your vin that is if it's a stock radio and they'll give you the code. You could always pull the radio out to see if it's printed on the radio itself but i kind of doubt it would be there. I have 2-3 business cards which came with the car that have the code on it.

[aceyx]

The dealership can look up the code from the serial on the radio. They will have to physically have the car though, they can't just give it to you over the phone.

[albi901]

Thought the code for the radio appears in the handbook!

If its a factory fit jobby that is

.......and if it is the factory fit thing then i'd recommend trashing the thing and buying a decent stereo

[Bluebimma]

Im not too sure, but i think i remember a previous post where someone had the same problem but the dealership wanted to charge them 50$ for the code. So hopefully im wrong, but if not, it may just be easier to swap it out with another unit.

[tastade]

The reason they might charge you is they physically have to remove the radio and read the serial number off of it. If you read this yourself and take it in to the dealer they will give you the code (for free). Be sure to bring your car registration, they might not check it, but they do ask for it sometimes.

To remove the factory radio there are two tabs on either side, flip them open and use a small allen key wrench to loosen the screws that allow the radio to be removed. The screws push two tabs out to the side that hold the radio in place by friction, they work almost like one of those scissor jacks that some cars come with for changing tires.

I did all this then I found the radio code/id card in the glovebox a week later.

Yes, you do have to contact the dealer to get the code. The only alternative is to buy an aftermarket radio.