Head unit says CODE____

[Eazy tom]

The car is a 97 318i.
So whats going on here guys, It happened after I disconnected the battery I'm guessing.
What do I put in to get this working again?

[strad]

Pull the radio out, get the serial # off of it, and post it here. You might find somebody who can get you the correct five-digit code for your specific radio. If not, go to your dealer and ask them nicely for the code, with your registration, serial # and id in hand. And pray they don't ask you for a stupid exorbitant fee for getting the code for you.

[lightflyer1]

Then write it down in the manual or on the radio in case you need it again.

[crazyafghanguy]

you can also call the dealership

[ChuckDizzle]

you can also call the dealership

that's case-by-case. At BMW Seattle we wouldn't give out radio codes over the phone. Owners had to bring the car in and a tech would pull the radio real quick and we'd provide the code free of charge. It'd be too easy to steal a BMW radio and just call in for the code. Other dealerships might but your mileage may vary.

OP, when you get the code...leave the radio on for a while and drive with word CODE illuminated. Then enter the code. I tried entering my code several times and it wouldn't work. I went for a long drive and left it on, entered the code and the radio unlocked.

[328icod]

Let us know how you made out!

[kennerd]

First things first before you call the dealer....pull out the user manual in your black zipped portfolio and look for the radio code card.

[IhaveanE36]

First things first before you call the dealer....pull out the user manual in your black zipped portfolio and look for the radio code card.

Not everyone has the original owners manuel tucked safely in their glove compartment w/ a radio code in there lol.

Depending what year your car is, I've read if it is 96' + You can turn the car ON while holding the 'M' button on the radio, the S/N will then appear on your screen if you did it correctly, requires no pulling out of the radio.

[CMPi]

I just upgraded my head unit and in pulling out the old one the code was hand written on the label. Maybe a past owner did the same to you. best of luck.