BimmerPortal.nl - Online BMW Forum

Q
Recently I removed a speaker that was found to have a detached wire. After the repair and re-install, CODE appeared on my radio. The previous owner had hand written the code in the owner’s manual. The manual does not elaborate on the how to re-code but refers to a radio supplement manual which I do not have. Can you help ?

A
Most BMW models produced up through the mid to late ’90s, employ a radio anti-theft security code. The anti-theft function is activated when the input power to the radio is interrupted. When the power is re-connected, the radio will ask for the security code to be input. The codes are typically either 4 or 5 digits. There are two different methods of entering the codes … they are not interchangeable.

1) Method 1 – If you have 5 or 6 memory keys , the code is entered in the order of the keys. In other words, if the code were 23241, you would push the 2 key, then 3, then 2, etc. If this doesn’t work you can try Method 2.

2) Method 2 – In this case, the code is entered in succession on the memory keys. In other words (using the same code as above), key 1 is pressed two times, key 2 is pressed three times, key 3 is pressed two times …. etc.

If, during the entry, or after the code is entered, the radio beeps and says WAIT or CODE WAIT this means that you have entered the code incorrectly (you will get at least two chances to enter the code, before it knocks you out) and you must now perform a reset procedure. Turn the radio off. Now turn the key to the accessory or ignition position (position 1 or 2) and wait for one hour. After one hour, turn the radio on (do not change the position of the key) and you should see the CODE function and you can attempt to enter the code again.