Radio Code

[meinteil]

My radio in my '96 is not working for some reason, just showing CODE on the display. I tried the code on the card in my manual book, but after the fourth digit it just beeps. I took it to the BMW dealer the other day and asked if they would verify the code and to see what they could do. They said it is the correct code but it doesn't work for them either. Any suggestions?

[familytruckster]

pull the radio out and get the SN off of it and take that to the dealer.

[meinteil]

Originally Posted by familytruckster

pull the radio out and get the SN off of it and take that to the dealer.

That's what I said I did in my post, that's what I meant when I said I asked them to confirm the code. I read the old threads and someone said that you should leave the key/radio on for an hour and then shut it all off and then enter the code. Is the radio supposed to be on or off when you enter it?

[1996 328ti]

I had this problem with my E30.
My parts guy had me turn the key on and keep it on for, I forget how long.
I probably left it on for 30 minutes.
Then I was able to enter the code.

[meinteil]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I had this problem with my E30.
My parts guy had me turn the key on and keep it on for, I forget how long.
I probably left it on for 30 minutes.
Then I was able to enter the code.

Did you have the radio turned on while you were waiting and was the radio on when you entered the code?

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by meinteil

Did you have the radio turned on while you were waiting and was the radio on when you entered the code?

I don't remember. I think it was off.

[1996 328ti]

I read on another forum, Leave the key in position 2 for 90 minutes and have the radio on.

[meinteil]

Well I'll try it all then Actually I've been reading more on the internets and the consensus is to leave the radio on. I'll try that first and let you know what happens.

[meinteil]

UPDATE: Well there's no magic here! I left the key in the Acc position and the radio on for exactly one hour and then reentered the code. I have tunes now, thanks!

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by meinteil

UPDATE: Well there's no magic here! I left the key in the Acc position and the radio on for exactly one hour and then reentered the code. I have tunes now, thanks!

Sorry, I just noticed this thread, or I could have told you about the 1-hour delay. Basically, once you input the incorrect code, the radio won't accept input for an hour. As I remember it's 1 hour of the radio being on, and the hour doesn't have to be all at once.

[sunbrn]

You only get three tries to enter the code then you must wait 1 hour with the radio on to get three more tries. Radio must be on to enter the code.

[meinteil]

It's all good now. Thanks.

[3.2TI]

Hi guys, I wanted to know if anyone has a known person in a dealer who can assist in getting the code for my oem radio. I currently have a business cd installed but want to use my oem cassette player and I don't have the code for it. It is the original radio, or at least I was told.

I called my dealer several times asking for this but they want me to bring the car in and charge me to do it. Any help is greatly appreciated.