Radio Code
 

I'm not sure how it happened, but after washing my car, when I turn on my radio it says "code". I know I have to input the radio code to get it to work, and I have the code. However, when I type it in, the unit just beeps and "CODE" remains on the screen. I looked in my manual, and it says I get 3 tries to input the code, then it wont let me try again until the radio has been on for an hour. Does that mean I have to have my car on for an hour straight, or just keep the unit on every time I drive, and it will keep adding up minutes?

It has to be on continuously, you dont have to have the car running you can just leave the ignition on, and then go out and try again.

Gotcha, thanks!

Radio Code issues
 

I have the serial # and got the code from the dealer. However, it does not work. I entered it 3 times and then it went to "Code Wait", tried it again after an hour and still the same thing. Is there a trick to it. I just enter the code with the numbers on the radio (for station presets). I'd appreciate any help, this is frustrating.

Thanks

There's no trick, it should have worked. I'd double check with the dealer.

what I did was turn the car to "on" without anything else turned on for like 60-90 mins then entered the code and was fine. This was a few years ago, aftermarket headunit ftw! my changer never worked thats my main reason...

^what he said, i had that problem when i didn't have mine and tried the usual stuff to make it work (1234, 4321, 1111).

I had to press the arrow buttons that change tracks after i entered my code.

I don't know if this will work, but it couldn't make things any worse. (BTW, the suggestion by another re: checking with dealer to be sure you have the correct code.) Any, as with some personal computers, removing power from radio for a few minutes, may reset cmptr to accept your code. As I said above, I don't know if this will work, but it couldn't hurt. I have a '92 325i, and have had to enter code for my radio; everything worked just as given in the owner's manual.

Good Luck.
James in Colorado

87 325i
 

I am having the same problem and nothing seems to be working. I have the code that was given by the previous owner in the owners manual.

Any other hints or tips, would be appreciated.

I have not tried hitting the track buttons yet.

Radio Code Procedure
 

to set your radio follow this procedure

Turn car on
Turn radio on, then off.
Turn radio back on, a message CODE will appear.
Enter code using the preset buttons
when finished entering code, press the > button and you will hear sweet sounds of music!

**if your radio says CODE WAIT, you will have to either drive arouond for a bit, wash the car for an hour or so or do something with the car on for the code to reset. There is NO WAY around this if your radio says CODE WAIT**

If you do not have the code for your radio, do this to find out what model you have:
turn car on
turn radio on, then off
Turn radio back on and press and hold the M button for 10 seconds
a code will display on the radio with your model number of the radio.
Call your local BMW dealer and tell them you have the serial # for the radio and need the code, be nice. If they cant/ wont give you the code, look up another dealer and call them, continue to call until a nice dealer gives you the info DO NOT PAY FOR IT!!

will try tonight thanks

didnt work for me oh well looks like I will be getting a radio from crutchfield

Ricke are you certain you have the correct radio code?

It was the code I in the manual I got off the last owner who has owned the car since 95

I already purchased a new radio from crutchfield oh well