someone said its last 5 of vin which is not true, maybe there are other places I can get the code inside car? Some hidden locations bmw put the code? I lost card with numbers on it and don't really want to go buy new unit unless I have to.

Sometimes people write the code on the radio. Pull it out and check (takes 30 seconds to unscrew and pull out).

If not, you can get the code at the dealer.

Koizumi is correct about getting code at dealer. Need proof of ownership. Radio removel is simple. To bad the code card is not in the owners manual. Good luck. Carter

take the car to the dealer, have him remove the radio and get the serial number off the back. He will then be able to tell you the unlock code. Write the code on the radio with a marker for future reference. Most dealers will do this for free - it does help if you show up with a leggy blonde though....

For Free! I live in the wrong State. Chow. Carter

Most Dealers Will not do This For Free.

One dealer was going to charge me $50 to get the code because they had to take the radio out. I walked, took out the radio myself and got the code at no cost from another dealer in town.

All you need to do is show registration (with your name on it) and an ID at any BMW dealer and they can look it up for you. You do not need to take the radio out if it is the original radio.

pm me your vin# i'll get it for you.

on eBay you can buy some universal BMW code solution that claims to work. Never tried to be honest. Anyone tried that?


someone said its last 5 of vin which is not true, maybe there are other places I can get the code inside car? Some hidden locations bmw put the code? I lost card with numbers on it and don't really want to go buy new unit unless I have to.

pm me your vin# i'll get it for you.


...sorry, the VIN won't do it. You need the Radio's Serial Number. The unlock codes are NOT stored by VIN.

...sorry, the VIN won't do it. You need the Radio's Serial Number. The unlock codes are NOT stored by VIN.
Then why did someone above say that if you show dealer your registration and vin they can get it without removing radio?

Taking out the radio is a five minutes job at most. You don't even have to disconnect it. Just take a photograph of the label with serial number (usually on one of the sides), print it, and take the print with you to a dealer.

I have never been charged for this service.

Then why did someone above say that if you show dealer your registration and vin they can get it without removing radio?


misinformation

Tx, can I get the part number for the leggy blonde? I gotta hit the dealer next week...

send me the serial number off the radio and I will get the code for you...

Any special tool needed to take out the radio? The "screws" look a little strange to me.

You don't need to take the radio out to get the radio code. You just need the VIN# of the car. We do it all the time.

Any special tool needed to take out the radio? The "screws" look a little strange to me.
its a 2mm allen wrench.

its a 2mm allen wrench.
Nope - torx screw.
allen wrench may work, but you can also strip the screw pretty easily if you're not carefull...

Nope - torx screw.
allen wrench may work, but you can also strip the screw pretty easily if you're not carefull...
oops well it worked for me

It looks like I might have to get new radio, do I have to get E31 specific as well or would any bmw work?

hold on, I am running that number again - this time I sent the pic to BMW.

number is: 22256

..hello, did you get the info??

- it does help if you show up with a leggy blonde though....

If only we could all be so lucky...

thanks I got the code but it didn't work. I think because radio locked me out. I hope I don't have to leave my car on for one hour!! Is there a way around it? maybe disconnect battery or something?

btw, txgr8white is a great guy! took the time to email me numerous times!