Z3 radio code

[Jeffwfletcher]

I recently bought my z3 it has no owners manual and no radio code that i could find. I have removed the radio to get the info needed for the radio code .I paid radio-code .com 18.00 dollars to give me the code .however i have tried there code several times and no dice. So i am asking if there is anyone here that can help me with this. Heres all the radio info i have gathered
BMW Business CD
BP0273 1 961 9387. SERIAL
7640 273 342/04/44. MODEL NUMBER I THINK
HERE IS THE OTHER NUMBERS I FOUND AS WELL
6512-6. 909 884
FD510. INDEX42
AND THE HEAD UNIT DISPLAYS. Y961 9387.
I GAVE ALL THIS INFO TO RADIO-CODE.COM AND THEY PROCESSED IT TWICE AND GAVE ME THIS CODE 35663
AM I DOING SOMETHING WRONG
PLZ HELP THANK YOU IN ADVANCE

[dworthy]

Welcome to the Forum!

Have you tried to just take it to the dealership and ask for the code? I am sure they will give you the code for free, or you can email/call our forum sponsor: www.getbmwminipartstore.com and ask for the code if you are too far away from a dealership.

[shogun]

did you do it the correct way?

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.

[jclausen]

I have found the later z3 radios can be a pain in the ass to code just keep trying

[Jeffwfletcher]

Thanks will keep trying am far from dealer and have call service dept left my info and phone number to no avail so i appreciate all of you for taking the time to help ..big thumbs up

[Jeffwfletcher]

Wanted t o thank you for your reply and the welcome it feels like home here . im kinda crazy about BMW s superior engineering is what i think .

[Jeffwfletcher]

Appreciate you for taking the time to explain. That was very excellent and concise. Hats off and slight bow

[dworthy]

That's all part of the fun when you drive an older car. There can be very helpful people at the dealership, some not so much. I like Sean at thebmwminipartstore.com for he is pretty quick to respond to emails and will my odd questions at times about finding parts.

So here is the parts book: www.realoem.com

[Jeffwfletcher]

I have tried the code for my radio the o n e i paid for from radio code.com and i have tried it every which way you for instance i would press the number keys for radio presets 35663 and then i have pressed > to enter. I have also tried the m key. And other various keys for the enter key nothing has worked. I have read alot of instrutions on how to enter the code and my understanding is key is on but not started enter the code then press > key. Is this correct do i have a bad code ? I am needing the radio to work in my car if you know what i mean sorry if i seem dense on this. Plz help ...

[dworthy]

On my old E36, sometimes it would take a couple of try's to get it right. However if you have put the code in a dozen times, and it still isn't taking, I would then think you have the wrong code. Did you contact a dealership yet to confirm the code? Normally they don't need to have the radio info, if the radio is original for the car, just the vin is all.

[Jeffwfletcher]

Have been to dealership to no avail. Same code and they couldn't get it. To work either and new unit would be more expensive than a customized block rocker sheesh 459 dollars oh man. Whats thoughts on maybe trying a junkyard. System .?? By the way guys i want. To acknowledge and praise you. For taking the time to re as d and respond to all of us that have these problems you take time and energy just to help out and i think you deserve at least the acknowledgement that you do this so great big thank u from me

[dworthy]

IIRC, one you put the code in 3 times improperly, it will locks for a set time. I cannot remember if it's a day or so, but give it a couple of days, and try again. But yes I do think you are doing it correctly. Does it beep after each number, or only when you push the > button?

[Jeffwfletcher]

i didn't notice any beeps at all should the volume knob be turned up a little then....well the dealership confirmed that radio-code .com had the correct code .... i will do some electrical systems checks meaning ill check the fuses lol

[dworthy]

So when you turn the radio on, CODE should show up on the display. IIRC once I hit the > button, I would get a beep in acknowledgment of code input.

[RichardCM]

1998 Z3 radio code needed. I can’t find my radio code anywhere. If I provide the serial number of the radio can someone help me?

[dworthy]

1998 Z3 radio code needed. I can’t find my radio code anywhere. If I provide the serial number of the radio can someone help me?

Well, normally it isn't in good taste to ask for help in somebody else's thread, others would actually find it rude.

Always a good idea to start your own thread.