Well Im Stupid - BMW Forum

Reedalicious · 08-10-2004, 07:38 PM

The lights are dim on my radio. So being the do-it-yourselfer I am, I tried to fix it. I unplugged the radio, took it inside, blah blah blah, I put it back in, and now dont know my code for the anti-theft. Is there a way to find it out with the vin number, or is the dealership the only way to solve this. I really want to avoid the dealership and like my stock hu, so.... help the moron.

Deloriant · 08-10-2004, 07:48 PM

I concur! (To the thread name)

KingScare · 08-10-2004, 07:59 PM

My radio is doing the same thing...

the display is REALLY dim...and i don't think i can adjust it...

Is it simply a bad connection?

TMac325is · 08-10-2004, 07:59 PM

the dealer looks up your radio code based on the serial number on the back of your stereo. but your car needs to be present for them to fork over the code

anyway, be sure to check the manuals in your bmw wallet, thats where i found mine, it was in the stereo manual, in the back, you unfold the back flap and theres 2 stickers and some cards and stuff

problem is, the code on the stickers didnt work so i was mad about that

hope this helps

Reedalicious · 08-10-2004, 08:04 PM

Im sure it would, if I had the manual. I bought it used and doesnt have one. Looks like im off to the dealership.

mathetas · 08-10-2004, 08:34 PM

Hey, not to be an opportunist, but I happen to have a '98 323is, and I just ordered a new receiver for it yesterday. It will be in Friday, there is nothing at all wrong with mine. Mine illuminates perfectly and does exactly what it is told.

If you think your head unit is in need of replacing or something, let me know and maybe we can work something out.

Aside from the above offer, you can only adjust the dimming value (potentiometric increase in current) by rolling that knob next to your steering wheel. Every bulb in your dash has a dimmer switch that responds to your head lights and that pontentiometer. If your stereo doesn't illuminate right, it is a problem with the head unit--in my opinion. You need to play with the lights at night and that dash light intensity switch and see if there is a "systemic" problem or just a specific head unit issue.

I'm changing receivers this weekend, and I'd be happy to help you in any way I can. I could lend you some advice on another kind of unit too. These jobs are easily done on this car with the correct knowledge and parts. Hint: this car has its own amplifier TOTALLY separate from the head unit, therefore, you gotta be careful about this sound system. It's got some landmines in it I wouldn't want to step on--like sending 20-50 watts per channel of an aftermarket unit to the far reaches of your wiring harness... Needs a special part to turn off the aftermarket amp and key the signal into your amp. What if your amp goes out??? You have to wire ALL speakers up to some other amp/head unit (with amp).

Anyway, gimme a shout if you need any other advice or if you are interested in my factory stereo.

BlantonG13 · 08-10-2004, 09:40 PM

huh huh...he said pontentiometer

Cruzin 323is · 08-10-2004, 10:52 PM

well, to be honest with you, your best bet is to go buy an aftermarket stereo... its so much better, and you'll never have problems like that!

KingScare · 08-11-2004, 03:04 AM

YEah I know about the knob next to the steering wheel. That works fine.

It's only the display on the radio/cd screen that's getting dimmer and dimmer...before it was fine, then it slowly went down.

If it's not an easy fix and I eventually get really tired of it or can't see it anymore, I'll most like go with something aftermarket to upgrade my HU..

thanks though.