MID Code Needed to Start Engine

[JDP530]

I believe this immobilization feature that is part of the anti-theft programming that is preventing me from starting engine. The MID display shows 'CODE ----' but I have no idea what the code would be. I am going to try overriding code again by disconnecting batteries at their common ground, waiting 5 minutes (minimum I suppose), and then putting key at position 1 in ignition switch. Manual states that you have to wait 15 minutes then engine should start.

I believe I read somewhere on forum that the MID can be removed which will allow engine to be started but I would prefer not having to take out unit.

Is there anywhere I can obtain the required code? I wonder if BMWNA would be able to provide the code? They should have my title info since I had a key made a few years ago.

ADD: I didn't have any luck overriding MID Code using manual instructions.

[olinjohnston]

Sorry but the dealer/BMW NA won't even know what you're talking about. If the MID says "CODE" it means whoever was inside the car entered a 4-digit start code. It's whatever you set it as, so a dealer cannot provide it. It's not like the radio.

[Timm]

If you have never entered a code - then use 0000 and off you should go!

Also, the 'wait 15 minutes' is a bit more complicated - you should:

Make sure all doors bonnet and boot are closed
Lock the car using the key in the drivers door
Unlock the car using the key in the drivers door
Get in the car, shut the door behind you
Put the key in the ignition and turn to position I (accessories on)
Don't fiddle with anything at all and wait for the alarm LED to stop blinking
The car should then start

The alarm may go off at any point during the procedure - if that doesn't work then the alarm immobilizer isn't the problem

[JDP530]

Sorry but the dealer/BMW NA won't even know what you're talking about. If the MID says "CODE" it means whoever was inside the car entered a 4-digit start code. It's whatever you set it as, so a dealer cannot provide it. It's not like the radio.

Thanks, Olin!

Can this code be overridden and a new code used if the old code is unknown?

- - - Updated - - -

If you have never entered a code - then use 0000 and off you should go!

Also, the 'wait 15 minutes' is a bit more complicated - you should:

Make sure all doors bonnet and boot are closed
Lock the car using the key in the drivers door
Unlock the car using the key in the drivers door
Get in the car, shut the door behind you
Put the key in the ignition and turn to position I (accessories on)
Don't fiddle with anything at all and wait for the alarm LED to stop blinking
The car should then start

The alarm may go off at any point during the procedure - if that doesn't work then the alarm immobilizer isn't the problem

Thanks, Timm! I will try your procedure and if it doesn't work I may remove the MID and see if that helps.

[JDP530]

I pulled the OBC MID along with radio and car still doesn't start or even pop.

[ChrisFuture8]

JP, when you say it doesn't start, does that mean the starter doesn't energize? Like nothing is happening at all with the key turned to start or the engine cranks but it doesn't catch?

[JDP530]

JP, when you say it doesn't start, does that mean the starter doesn't energize? Like nothing is happening at all with the key turned to start or the engine cranks but it doesn't catch?

Engine just spins over without starting or popping. Neither bank pops or starts. That'ss why I think I'm still having an issue with the immobilizer. I do have voltage at my coils. I will try to check for spark and fuel tomorrow.

I just haven't figured out how to override the alarm / immobilizer system except I did pull the OBC and that didn't help.

[AUS840]

If by immobilizer, you mean EWS, I think your're correct. A couple of years ago, I was recoding with NCS Expert and I went into the EWS module, checked the EWS III box, and boom; no more start. It did exactly as you are describing. I had to buy a new EWS module from BMW for $500 and with the help of the amazing Revtor and several days of emails back and forth with responses separated by seven hours, we got the EWS recoded and the car started right up.

I don't know why your EWS may have gotten corrupted, because nothing you did should have affected it, but this sounds like your issue.

[Timm]

The '97 840ci is quite a bit different to the V12 - but, we need to know the age of it, if it was built before 1994 then it doesn't have EWS at all and immobilisation is done by the antitheft module. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/E38_Im...ser_System.pdf

[JDP530]

The '97 840ci is quite a bit different to the V12 - but, we need to know the age of it, if it was built before 1994 then it doesn't have EWS at all and immobilisation is done by the antitheft module. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/E38_Im...ser_System.pdf

I have a '91 model. I pulled out the radio and the OBC and that didn't make any difference. I really haven't done anything else this weekend but I will try and follow your override procedure closely, Timm, and see what happens. Thanks,

[AUS840]

The '97 840ci is quite a bit different to the V12 - but, we need to know the age of it, if it was built before 1994 then it doesn't have EWS at all and immobilisation is done by the antitheft module. More info here:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/E38_Im...ser_System.pdf

Oh yes, I remember that now. I stand corrected.

[Timm]

Oh yes, I remember that now. I stand corrected.

....said the man in the orthopaedic shoes......

[CD05001CIA]

I could be wrong, in a 1991, but once a code is entered into the MID(not radio) starter will not crank until matching code is entered.

[ChrisFuture8]

I wonder if another MID (without a code) is installed can bypass the problem?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[CD05001CIA]

I wonder if another MID (without a code) is installed can bypass the problem?

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

In 1991 model w/ EWS 1 its worth a try.
Underneath the window washer tank is a 4 pin connector that goes to the starter. Abovevit is a battery cable terminal I used an 18 inch piece of 16GA wire pushed into connector to starter and touched the battery cable terminal that will turn the starter.

[Hyper]

I wonder if another MID (without a code) is installed can bypass the problem?

No, the code is stored in the EKM,
per Revtor: "Logging and analysis of BMW E31 8 Series I-bus", pages 23-24.
One might try removing power from the EKM, in the off chance that the storage is volatile memory.