how to get radio code

I think im going to disconnect my battery to reset the radio. I was told it might help my isimple to tart working correctly. However, I need the radio code. I know I can call the dealer with the erial number, but I would like to do this tonight and the dealer is already closed.

Any ideas?

Originally Posted by LLCoolJeff

I think im going to disconnect my battery to reset the radio. I was told it might help my isimple to tart working correctly. However, I need the radio code. I know I can call the dealer with the erial number, but I would like to do this tonight and the dealer is already closed.

Any ideas?

I have taken mine out several times after removing the battery. If I remember, you have to enable it. If you have the owners manual with the stereo manual, the code should be written on it. Just from my personal experience, even in my E36 with the radio code...I never had a problem. Matter of fact, few months ago, I changed my OEM BMW battery out....no issues with the stereo.

Im not sure exactly what you just said. Are you telling me that if i disconnect the battery it will not then ask me for a radio code on startup?

Also, I have the manual and the stereo manual. I looked through all the documentation and there is not radio code anywhere. However in the stereo manual i found a card with this info.....

Radiopass BMW
Business CD
model #"BP8272" Serial # "number here" Safety Number "this one is blank"


Im assuming the safety number is the radio code? it is left blank

The radio fuse....try to pull the fuse out then put it back in and see if that works before disconnecting the battery

Originally Posted by LLCoolJeff

I think im going to disconnect my battery to reset the radio. I was told it might help my isimple to tart working correctly. However, I need the radio code. I know I can call the dealer with the erial number, but I would like to do this tonight and the dealer is already closed.

Any ideas?

why, what is the reasoning behind that?

hey guys, i have a harmon Kardon system in my e46.. I didnt get a radio card with my black portfolio consisting of like 3 other manuals.

What does the code look like(ie. how many digits..etc)

thanks

Every time my isimple starts to goof off I reset it buy pulling the fuse from the radio...then everything works fine again...not saying it will work for you but worth a try...takes 10 seconds to do and its safer then disconnecting the battery

Originally Posted by LLCoolJeff

why, what is the reasoning behind that?

i just tried pulling the fuses and it still didnt work. Heres my situation, i hooked up the isimple and switched over to the cd changer, it displays cd 1-01. is thi what yours says while the isimple is playing???? i have tried to switch to other cd's (like 2-6) and it wont change the "1"-01. when i click track forward on the stereo my ipod switches tracks, so everything is connected but no music...

Im getting extremely fed up with this since the first isimple i bought fried my ipod and I had to wait for them to ship me replacements and now I cant get this ****ing one to work. Im about to jump off a cliff.

Give me the units serial number and i wll try getting the code for u

well ive come to the conclusion that my headunit does not need a code because that is what it said in the stereo manual, it called it an anti theft code. I also read it somewhere else that no e46 needs radio code, but i find that hard to believe since it is talked about on here quite a bit.

I have disconnected by battery in order to reset it and get to the code but it didn't even work, it never asked me for the code and the radio just started up as usual.

But i will give the serial number just in case, the card reads like this

Model = BP8272
Serial = W1822684
Safety-Nr = blank

Business HUs in E46s don't need a code. OEM radios in E36s and E30s did, however, need a code.

or, you post the serial number and type of radio i.e. alpine, blaupunkt, etc. and i'll pm you the radio code

My '03 came with an untouched owners manual set but didn't include a code card for the Business CD. There was no mention or printed codes in the head unit manual. Mine has the flashing LED that indicates to thieves, should it be removed (read disconnect from power) the unit will be rendered useless without the code. Huh?

So what is the deal with these? Do you only need a code after long term power off or is there an internal capacitor keeping channel presets and codes alive awhile for battery swaps and convenience?

Originally Posted by LLCoolJeff

well ive come to the conclusion that my headunit does not need a code because that is what it said in the stereo manual, it called it an anti theft code. I also read it somewhere else that no e46 needs radio code, but i find that hard to believe since it is talked about on here quite a bit. .............

That's correct, the E46 HU does not use or need a security code to work.

so what is the story with e46s that need no radio codes? wouldnt thieves like that?

Originally Posted by bond0007

so what is the story with e46s that need no radio codes? wouldnt thieves like that?

Thieves looking for car stereos would more than likely target high end after market units that can be used in other cars, unless the thief was also an E46 owner the OEM headunit would be pretty much useless to them.
Anyway, you'd have more chance of your car being stolen or vandalised than just the head unit being stolen.

Originally Posted by Custom3

Every time my isimple starts to goof off I reset it buy pulling the fuse from the radio...then everything works fine again...not saying it will work for you but worth a try...takes 10 seconds to do and its safer then disconnecting the battery

Custom3, Did you ever get you isimple working properly? I was going to pull the trigger on one of the SoundByte units after all the issues I have seen with the dice kit. But now I see that there are plenty of issues with the isimple kit as well. Let me know how its working out for you.

Alpine: 41512
Blaupunkt: 66353
try one of those

i have an bmw e46 2000 318i and i have changed my battery and my radio does not work it says WAIT when i turn on the radio and it does not go away so i dont know what to do i went to a mechanic and they have said i need to put in a code but i cannot find it but i have heard that e46 bmw do not require a code so i am lost and if i do need the code is their any other way of getting it other then going to a dealer?? plz help

Originally Posted by milos ostojic

i have an bmw e46 2000 318i and i have changed my battery and my radio does not work it says WAIT when i turn on the radio and it does not go away so i dont know what to do i went to a mechanic and they have said i need to put in a code but i cannot find it but i have heard that e46 bmw do not require a code so i am lost and if i do need the code is their any other way of getting it other then going to a dealer?? plz help

Did you find a solution...I woke up one morning to "WAIT" and have not found a solution online. Also, it has not asked me for a code.