What is "Code"

[CarbonReptile]

I noticed that all of the pictures of the Navigation Screen on the M3, including the picture in the catalog (in PDF form on www.bmwusa.com), have the word "Code" as a feature selection in the menu. I know how the "Code" feature works on the 5 Series, but my M3 doesn't have this selection. How do I get it to appear on the nav screen?

 

[CarbonReptile]

BTW: Someone told me that this was only available on the M3 in Europe. But I don't believe this because this is a newly created PDF catalog that no longer says "European model shown" at the bottom of the images.

 

[mikev]

what does code actually do???

 

[Wadula]

code reduces the sperm count maybe??? j/k

no, i know code only from the radio and it only appears when the radio was without power. it is the anti-theft goodie. i never heard or saw code on our 5series. what model 5er do you refer to carbonreptile?

 

[CarbonReptile]

The 2003 540i has it. What is this the E39? I forget. I have the video that comes with the 540i. It has nothing to do with the radio. The "Code" feature allows you to set a 4 digit code before you leave your car. This way, even if someone finds your key, they cannot start your car without being prompted to re-enter the code. I guess you may use it to password protect your car while the babysitter/kids are at your house with your car keys.

My friend's E36 M3 also has this feature, although his is accessed through the On-board Computer using the 1000, 100, 10 and 1 buttons. He also has a "Code" button on the bottom row of buttons next to the timer and mileage buttons. If you forget the code, it's a pain in the a$$ to get the car started as you have to call BMW.

I would upload the video to a web site, but I haven't figured out how to get it off the CD. I think it's in a proprietary format.

 

[CarbonReptile]

I take it no one knows the answer to this?

 

[carcus]

Yep, allows you to enter a code to prevent starting of the vehicle. Forgetting the code will be ASS PAIN. You can program the code so you have to enter it on the OBC before the car starts. I never use it. Pain just to use it, hastle, that and if someone wants you car....they will get it...regardless of the security system.

 

[CarbonReptile]

For me, it wold just be another gadget. I can't help it. I like gadgets.

 

[andreyiv]

I know this is a really old post but a few days ago I realised that the code feature may be usefull to me. Imagine if someone with a gun asks you for the keys to the car, you can just hand them to the guy and run away, call the cops and before the guy figures out how to start the car, the cops will be there to arrest him. The robber may also just drop the keys and walk away. The two bad things I see are, entering the code everytime and always carrying an extra set of keys with you in case the guy takes your keys. Now, after the whole story is over, my question is, how do you program the OBC for the code to work, how do you input a code and how do you change it/delete it if possible. Thanks in advance, really appreciate it.

 

[hardcore209]

every time I log on to this site, there's always someone asking some dumb question about their car!!!! the code function is used to immobolise the car if you want to use it in conjunction ( careful, big word!!) with the existing alarm. I started to use mine when the alarm failed. All the info about "code" is in your hand book, so just read the dam thing!!! If by some chance you forget the code, all you have to do is disconnect and then reconnect the battery, it will clear the code you forgot, but will count down for at least 1/2 hour ,after that you can start the car, again it says so in the bloody hand book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hardcore209]

andre, each time you enter the code and deactivate the immobiliser, you can enter a new code to enable it, it's that simple

 

[andreyiv]

Don't you think that if I had a bloody hand book I would have read all about it??????? If I'm asking a question for which there is an answer in the hand book then maybe, just maybe I would not have the book. Don't you think there is a small chance of that happening. You know not all people can afford a new car or only buy a car that has the hand book. BTW how can you use that feature that can only be used in conjunction with an existing alarm if yours failed??? Don't feel too good now, do ya?

Now back to the people that come to this board to help or to get help instead of flaming anyone and everyone, can you help me out here? Thanks in advance.

 

[CarbonReptile]

What's with all the hostility? The reason I asked about the code feature is that I don't have this alleged handbook on the security system. It was never given to me at the dealership. I didn't even know it existed. This is the first I've heard of it.

Regardless, I'm not sure the code feature is available State-side. Perhaps it's only in the UK. I don't know. However, I'll contact my service advisor on it and find out.

hardcore209: If you're looking to post comments like you have, perhaps you should go post elsewhere. We all respect each other here!

 

[CarbonReptile]

BTW: I have a 2003 M3 with NAV. The video/CD I have that shows the 2 methods you can use to set the code (i.e. With NAV and w/o) is for the 5-series. The 3-series video/CD I received with my M3 did not contain this section about code.

 

[andreyiv]

Tell me if you find anything about the topic. Thanks.

 

[jrt67ss350]

This code thing sounds interesting - sounds like a pretty cool idea to me. I think I'd use it if my car had it.

Guys, don't worry about this hardcore209 guy. Remember, we are all just "cowboys" that ought to "stick 2 [our] US junk and forget about european quality cars" according to him. Maybe if we ignore him, he'll go away. [shake]

 

[BavarianWheels]

I use the code feature on my '88 528e all the time. I find it convenient for the extra edge in theft deterrant. It is just that much more time a thief has to take to get my car.

To use it, I turn off the car, but leave the key to the on position, push code button, use the number keys to input a 4-digit number (every BMW owner knows how to use those buttons on the bottom, right?) and then after the last number is input, simply turn the key and remove. Voila! the code is set.

Now when you go to turn your car on...when you turn the key, "CODE" will flash in the OBC and before turning the car over, input your code and press...ah...the "enter" key (second up from the bottom right on my car...can't remember the name on the button exactly) and you're in. Turn the car over and it'll start.

If you haven't input the code and try to turn the car...It'll just turn over and over and over and over and over and over...If you're not paying attention, you'd think the car had no spark (which it doesn't) or is outta gas...

I hope this helps...and I'm not restating something I missed in the previous posts.

 

[andreyiv]

Thank you very very much BavarianWheels!!! Really appreciate your help.
I wanted to use that feature for a long time but couldn't because of the absence of knowledge. BTW You don't have to have an alarm to use it, do you?

 

[andreyiv]

I tried the code function on friday and heres what I have to say. To set the code, I had to enter the code, then press the Set button and take out the key, you can do that anytime you want except when the engine is running, you can even get into the car and set the code, then get out or what ever. The next time you turn the key into the accesory mode, the display shows "CODE - - - -", enter the code and again press the set button and it disapears. I also tried starting the car without entering the code and it just flashes "CODE" and makes that special sound without turning over the engine or anything. Also when the code is set, the small light in the code button is on showing the thiefs that this car is a little harder to get into. BTW I don't have any sort of an alarm system so it works perfectly fine without it. This rocks! Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[CarbonReptile]

If anyone knows how to activate this feature on the E46 M3, let me know. I'm very interested.