How can I get the radio code for my BMW without having to pay the dealers?

I replaced my battery without knowing that it'll reset the radio. I don't have the manual or anything that came along with the car, but I do have the registration papers for the car. I tried bringing it to a BMW dealership but they're charging me $150 for the code. Thanks in advance for helping out.





-Kevin|||pull the radio go to the dealer with the serial number and your license and registration and they will run in through the computer and retrieve it for you. N/C|||Check inside the glove compartment - sometimes people stick the code number in there (particularly if the number was on a gummed label - don't know if BMW does it like that).|||Try another dealer. $150 is absurd. I've gotten radio codes twice and not been charged for it. One our 318 they did have to pull the radio out to get the code. Took a mechanic about 5 minutes. I was prepared to hand over $50 but they didn't charge me.





You could also try at the parts counter. Be prepared to pull the radio and carry it back there. Most older BMWs need a special 5-sided screwdriver to remove the security screws holding the radio in. Be sure you take proof of ownership with you.





Be sure to write down that code!|||Resetting radio after power is removed or display shows "CODE"


• If the correct code is not entered in the three successive tries, the radio will not accept entry until the radio has been ON for one hour. IMPORTANT: When entering 5-digit code number, be sure to complete sequence number of that 5-digit code. For example: Code No. sequence is 12345 and you mistakenly enter 125 instead of 123, continue the code number sequence of 45 to complete that entry. The radio will not operate and "CODE" will reappear in the display. Re-enter the correct number sequence of 12345 and operation of the radio will continue. NOTE: If an audible beep is heard while entering the 5-digit code, STOP immediately. Begin entering the code again, starting with the first number of the 5-digit code.


• Another solution from Steven V. The local BMW dealer told me that if I turn the ignition key to the number two position and leave all the dash lights on then disconnect the battery for fifteen minutes to a half hour. The system will re-program itself when the battery is connected. It does not say that in the manual or CD rom but it apparently worked fine. Of course the radio had to be recoded again.|||search on google. What year model type of radio head standard?|||that $150 may be the cost of removing the radio to see the serial number.


if you take it out yourself and bring it to the dealer i'm sure they'll tell you free of charge.