radio security code - 1990 e30 stock radio

[SparkyNT]

So the timing belt of my 1990 e30 went and blew the head of the engine. My mechanic over here in Cambridge, MA rebuilt the thing and it works fine-ish now. Obviously, he had to disconnect the battery in order to do the engine work.

That said, I don't have the original radio code for the thing and it won't work without it after the battery was disconnected and reconnected.

The mechanic removed the radio, took the serial number down, made a phone call, and came back with a code for me.

Of course, the code doesn't work. The mechanic then told me to keep the radio on for an hour before trying the code. That didn't work. Finally, he told me that I'd have to just junk the radio and buy a new one.

Is there any way around this or is he right? I figured the dealer or someone would be able to retrieve these codes. It's a 17 year old stereo - is there really a black market for these things?!?

 

[Big Daddy]

You should be able to enter the code as soon as the radio is turned on. If that does not work take the radio serial number to the dealer and have them look the code up. Maybe the mechanic wrote the code down wrong?

 

[SparkyNT]

That's what I thought. I'll stop by a Boston area dealer ASAP. Any idea what kind of proof of ownership I'd need? I'm like the 5th owner of this thing.

I feel bad, but I think it's time to drop this mechanic. Every time I go there for something I hear a different story that makes no sense, and the car is in much worse shape after going there for two years now. Ugh.

 

[Big Daddy]

Take your registration and photo ID.

 

[SparkyNT]

Update - I stopped in today to the dealer and it ended up that the code was right. He insisted as well that I keep the radio ON for at least an hour before typing the code in. Very odd, but I'm going to try it again tonight and see what happens.

 

[SparkyNT]

I'm an idiot. I let it sit for over an hour with the radio on, typed in the code, and it actually worked! Very odd, but I'm glad it worked.

 

[Big Daddy]

Your not an idiot, I have had to enter my code more than once on occassion, most likely when you entered a number it did not actually get entered. Glad it worked out.

 

[318i 1985]

I have a orginal radio that came with my 318i e30, I'm not sure if I have the code, the previous owner may have written it down in the manual. Is there an after market for these radios? I don't think I would ever put the tape deck model back in.

 

[SparkyNT]

I'm sure there is an aftermarket for people that want to keep things stock. I don't mind the original radio. Actually, I'm currently looking for four stock wheels, as my mechanic replaced all four of mine with some really hideous looking ones after I bent one of the stock rims.

Ebay it if you're looking to get rid of it!