Radio/CD Deck locked me out! "Code Wait"

TyantA · 05-25-2009, 04:59 PM

So I bought my E36 about 2 years ago and I've never had the battery completely die - until two weekends ago. I had left my internal lights on, for 2 days before checking in again.

Anyway, I got er boosted (but was quite the affair) and all is well except for the fact that my deck asked me for a code. After 3 "obvious" attempts - and failing - it locked me out and only says "Code Wait".

I have no idea what the previous owner(s) would have set it as.

How can I get this thing working again?

Thnx!

morpheus · 05-25-2009, 05:34 PM

I think that the dealer can retrieve the code with your VIN. Try that out. It's a 6 digit number. Usually it's indicated on a card inside your owners manual leather pouch.

Steve@ASPTuning · 05-25-2009, 08:23 PM

Best bet to call the dealer and get the code. If their willing to give it to you.

Steve
ASPTuning

Ceeker · 05-25-2009, 08:51 PM

you can get the code from the dealer providing you present your ownership as proof that you own the car. Give them the last 7 numbers of your vin. You will have to go personally into the dealership. They won't give it over the phone. pm me with your last 7 of the vin. I'll see what I can do.

kruler · 05-25-2009, 10:06 PM

I believe they needed the serial # from the bottom of the deck when I needed to get my code from them.

TyantA · 05-25-2009, 11:13 PM

Thanks for the replies. I will start with the dealership I bought it from but won't hold my breath. I did not get a leather pouch with the manual - no extras whatsoever in that department. If that gets me nowhere, I'll see what you can come up with Ceeker.

Ceeker · 05-25-2009, 11:42 PM

Only if the radio is not the one that came with the car. if it is factory- built with the car- then you don't need the radio ser. #. I was going to save you a trip to the dealer. :-)

TyantA · 05-26-2009, 07:19 AM

You would be

I bought the car 5 hours away from where I currently am. If they can't answer me via email then....
And yes, it is the factory deck.

MethodMan97 · 05-26-2009, 01:52 PM

when i bought my car it came with a factory deck but the previous owners must have not put the original deck back in because i phoned the dealer and they couldn't find the code.. they took my vin and what not but gave me the wrong code... i found it much easier ( and better ) to just go buy an aftermarket deck with a cd player.... you can get them cheap ( like 40 50 bucks up to whatever )

MANDD · 05-26-2009, 02:04 PM

1. Pull the radio and get the serial number off the back. Go to the dealer with your ownership and serial number and they will give you the correct code.

2. Put everything back together. If you have a garage then turn the radio on with "code wait" displayed. Turn the ignition key to position 2 (dash lights on), if you have a charger you should connect it.

3. Leave it in this position for minimum 1 hour, after this the radio will display "code". Enter in correct code and you should be good to go.

Do not cycle the key when waiting for the minimum 1 hour to expire otherwise the counter will reset and you must wait an additional minimum 1 hour.

Mark.

Ceeker · 05-26-2009, 02:06 PM

In respect and protection of property to the bmw owner; they won't give information out via e-mail or phone call. No exceptions unless you have someone on the inside who knows you. They treat this the same way as when you lose a key. gotta be ordered with proof of ownership.

Dr. Flyview · 05-26-2009, 07:38 PM

What Mandd said, or simply drive the car for an hour...