Getting a Radio Code

[TMac325is]

alright, im going to the BMW Dealership in Annapolis, MD to get the code for the head unit, becaus the code i have doesnt work

does anyone know if i have to have the car with me to get it? i have prior arrangements for the car tonight, but i was wondering if i can send somebody to get it for me

if you have ever had to do this, what does the dealership need (manual, registration, ID, the car itself?) for us to prove that it is our car so they will give us the code?

[jllphan]

The code you have doesn't work?

If this is this the case, the dealer probably won't be able to help. If the code in your manual purse thingy contains a code that doesn't work with the radio in your car, then it has most likely been switched.

The dealer would only take your VIN and give you the same code you already have in your manual.

[TMac325is]

yeah thats what i was thinking, so i might just have to wait to get another head unit

[007ben]

The dealer here wanted to the serial number on back of stereo to get the code. they wouldn't/couldn't? use my VIN to look it up.

[TMac325is]

so the car has to be with me to get the code?

i wish i could just call them up and tell them the serial number

[007ben]

you may be able to just give the the serial number.
depends on the dealer i guess.

[bitcore]

You have to remove the head unit by unscrewing the two torx\hex bolts on either side (under the little tabs) and pulling the unit out of the car. If you have an alarm, it may go off so you need to appropirately disarm it.

I plan on removing my headunit & selling it, or switching the battery in my car (which will cause the code to come up) and I do NOT know the code. Will I have to pay the dealer any money to get the code?

[TMac325is]

as far as ive heard from ppl, its free

[007ben]

Dealer will charge if they do the work of taking the Deck out. But you may be able to just show them the HU and have them give you the code. again gonna depend on the dealer.

When i was gonna get my code they said the charge was for a half hour of labour which is about $40...

[BeemerMan]

Yea it's free to get the code. But I took it to this other bmw dealership and they we're charging me $80 bucks. I said, "what do you take me for, a schmuck?" So I went to the other BMW dealership a lil further then this one and they gave it to me for free.

[007ben]

See depends on dealer... errr stealer.

[TMac325is]

god damn them

im going to pull mine out and see if the serial # even matches the card i have

it shouldnt match, since the code doesnt work
ghead

[Shudogg]

same thing happened to me so i had to go to the origional dealer where the car was purchased. Also in the registration book that comes in the car there should be a card with the number. other wise i think you will need the vin # and the registration (ligitimate proof of ownership)