How to get radio code on 88 735i?

[jmile46]

Hey guys,
So my recent 88 735i purchase is asking me for radio code. I know I need to get serial number and call bmw for it, but the problem is that the stickers on bottom of radio are worn pretty good and I cannot read serial number. I know later bmws, you can press something to get serial number, is that possible here?

Am I SOL or is there another way I can get the serial number or code?
Thanks!IMG_0816.jpg

[shogun]

Did you check in the glovebox for the radio code card? You might ask in the car audio forum for help https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/f...ed-by-Bavsound

[jmile46]

No card in glove unfortunately. I was unaware of that subforum! I’ll post in there.

[jmile46]

I was able to get code. Turns out serial number was on back. But code didn’t work?!?

[shogun]

Updated by TSB #6502933729 Nov 1986.
The BMW anti-theft radio circuitry is designed to essentially render your radio unsalable if it is stolen. If the radio is subsequently electrically reconnected, it will not operate until a five-digit security code assigned to your radio is entered. The anti-theft features and operation are as follows:

After the ignition key is removed, the red "anti-theft" LED will continuously flash, drawing attention to this feature. Should anyone, such as a thief, touch any push-button on the radio after the key is removed, the anti-theft inscription will flash and a warning tone will sound for 5 minutes or until the ignition is turned ON .
Should the voltage supply to the radio drop below 5 volts due to a dead battery, electrical repairs, or radio removal (such as theft), the radio will not function when voltage is restored. The word "code" will show in the display only.
The proper 5-digit code shown on the TWO CARDS SUPPLIED TO YOU must then be entered (using the proper number radio push-button selectors in the bottom row) when the radio is on and the display shows "code". If the correct code is not entered in three successive tries , the radio will not accept entry until the radio has been left on for one hour with the ignition ON . IMPORTANT: When entering 5-digit code number, be sure to complete sequence number of that 5-digit code. For example: Code No. sequence is 43215 and you mistakenly enter 42 instead of 3, continue the code number sequence of 215 to complete that entry. The radio will not operate and "code" will reappear in the display. Re-enter the correct number sequence of 43215 and operation of the radio will continue. The likelihood of guessing the correct code is extremely remote. The radio is, therefore, unsalable to a thief. 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. The code card should be placed in your wallet, or with the vehicle title papers for security as deemed necessary by your individual needs.
Should radio or electrical repairs become necessary, please give the repairing facility the radio code number. If you do not, only authorized BMW dealer personnel can obtain the code from BMW.
Should you lose your code cards, contact the nearest BMW dealer who will then obtain your code from BMW. You may be charged for removal of the radio to ascertain the radio chassis number.


If that does not help, go to the audio forum here, there is a thread where they will give you the lost code when you indicate model and serial number

[jmile46]

Jeff sent me everything earlier. I have the code now. I entered and nothing. Left radio on for hour and tried, nothing. Car battery died after that and now back on, it doesn’t display code anymore. Why Im confused now. Not much activity in audio section unfortunately.

[shogun]

Is the radio working at all? If not, check the fuse.

Note: please, when you reply in future, click the button reply to thread and NOT always Reply with quote. I just cleaned up the thread and removed all the quotes

[jmile46]

Noted!
But I better check that. I mean it turns on and off and screen is lit. Like when it said code. Wouldn’t a blown fuse warrant it completely off? Im letting battery charge overnight then we’ll see whats up with it in the morning.

[shogun]

if the fuse is blown, then the radio will be completely dead. Let's see after you have recharged the battery

[e30luv318i]

Hello sir I have that exact radio I had a problem like you did. I had to leave the radio connected for 24 hours to power ! Eventually I got the code to work but the radio would do really strange things. Basically I figured something in the radio that received the power was faulty it eventually stopped powering up and became inoperable

[jmile46]

Hello sir I have that exact radio I had a problem like you did. I had to leave the radio connected for 24 hours to power ! Eventually I got the code to work but the radio would do really strange things. Basically I figured something in the radio that received the power was faulty it eventually stopped powering up and became inoperable

You mean you had to leave the radio on for 24 hours, with car hooked up to battery charger? Or you just had to charge car battery for 24 hours? Anything besides that you had to do to get code working?

[e30luv318i]

I had to leave car on for 24hrs . Basically what I’m getting at is the radio was no good, I have I feeling from what you posted yours is no good as well

[youngbimmer]

I have the same problem. I have the code, but radio will not accept it. I have a CD43 I would like to retrofit, but since my car is pre mid '90 build date, it does not have the PNP harness and I don't want to splice wires from existing system

[jmile46]

I had to leave car on for 24hrs . Basically what I’m getting at is the radio was no good, I have I feeling from what you posted yours is no good as well

Thats what Im thinking , unfortunately.

[jmile46]

After draining the battery dead the radio seems to have kicked the bucket. Its on, but blank screen. Oh well. I’ll either replace or leave for the time being as thats least of my worries with this far. Thanks to all who helped me out with this.