Changed Mybattery,need A Code For Stereo,no Manual - BMW Forum

dedhumbler · 12-05-2004, 01:32 PM

i have a 328I 4 door manual 1998. i had some check engine light on, ended up being antifreeze coolant level. anyways i took the battery out and now i need a code for my head unit *just the stock tape deck/radio*. how can i get this? do i have to call the manufacturer with my VIN# and info to get it? or do they even keep track of it? cause when i bought it 7 months ago it didnt come with the owners manual.

also does anyone know a place to download an owners manual for it? i heard there was.

jrhaile · 12-05-2004, 01:54 PM

go to your local bmw dealer :P

dedhumbler · 12-05-2004, 02:07 PM

hehe i live in maine, there is no local bmw dealer

Dirty_Tool · 12-05-2004, 02:30 PM

In order to retrieve the code the radio must be removed in order to get the serial # off of the back. Using the serial # the dealer can then retrieve the code from BMW's database, but usually the dealer will ask to see proof of ownership of the vehicle which is obviously for your protection.

DT

jrhaile · 12-05-2004, 02:41 PM

get rid of that damn bimmer radio and buy an aftermarket one.. problem solved

dedhumbler · 12-05-2004, 04:39 PM

ya but i was told by a car audio place near me, to put in a new head unit would be hard because of some differant wiring. i'm set with what i have, i dont care about up grading, but i would like some stinkin music

whats a head unit i can put in without to much effort?

mech9T8 · 12-05-2004, 05:18 PM

Yeah, it kinda sux.
You will need to go to a dealership in person (at least that was my experience). They will want to make sure you are the owner of the car before they give you the code. But then just write it down and you are set for the next time you are in that situation.

wulley1 · 12-05-2004, 05:29 PM

a lot of radios have it written on the deck, try looking there before you make a trip to a dealer.

There are a few dealerships in maine. I think in brunswick, and I've heard darlings in bangor.

spfdfanatic · 12-06-2004, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrhaile@Dec 5 2004, 03:41 PM
get rid of that damn bimmer radio and buy an aftermarket one.. problem solved

[snapback]243991[/snapback]

It's not that hard to change the radio, just go to a best buy, or a local car audio guy(different than the one that said it is a pain) and get an adapter that plugs directly into the factory wiring!!!! I changed mine in 20 minutes after buying the adapter, the hardest part to remember is to make sure you connect the powered antennae!!!!(It's not a literal power antennae, it is just run off your battery, i would tell you the color, but I forget, sorry!)

mech9T8 · 12-06-2004, 11:53 AM

It kinda defeats the purpose if the code is written on the deck.
The code is for anti-theft purposes. If it was written on the deck then anyone who steals it could use it.

kearnyme · 12-06-2004, 12:23 PM

Quote:

It kinda defeats the purpose if the code is written on the deck.
The code is for anti-theft purposes. If it was written on the deck then anyone who steals it could use it.

Yeah there is supposed to be a card with the code on it in the paper work that goes along with the owner's manual. Apparently he doesn't have that.