'90 325i stereo/anti-theft issue

[bmwpunk]

I recently purchased a 1990 325i - my first BMW - and when I started the car this morning, the factory stereo wasn't working. Instead of a radio station on the readout, it said "CODE" and my little, red Anti-theft light was blinking. When I pressed any of radio preset buttons all I got was a "beep" and the same "CODE" on the readout (like it was expecting my to punch a code).

I looked at my owner's manual and couldn't find any mention of this.

I've also tried to contact the previous owner, but haven't heard back.

So, before contacting a dealership I thought I'd ask the forum if there was anyone out there that could help me out.

Thanks in advance,
Ed

 

[Beemur]

Here is what you do:
Take out your radio, two screws on either side of the radio (behind the little flaps) retract clips and allow it to slide out. The screws are weird 5 point anti-theft things, but you can make an allen wrench or Torx bit work.
Look on the back and copy down the serial number
Go to your local BMW dealer and ask them to look up the anti-theft code for your radio
Turn on radio and enter code. Alot of these radio are really persnickety so it may take a couple trys.

Hope this helps, Oh and hold on to the code too, every time you disconnect your battery you will have to reenter it.

 

[bmwpunk]

Thanks very much.