Enter radio code BMW 1998 M3

Hi chris,

Code wait is part of the built in anti-theft system BMW has for the radio. The ignition must remain in the on position for 1 continuous hour. Usually rush hour traffic does the trick. You will need the radio code to enter into the radio after it displays "CODE". just enter the code according to the buttons listed 1-6. ie if it ask for 13556, just enter the digits in that sequence. Make sure you have the correct code. If 3 unsuccessful consecutive entries are made, you will have to wait another hour.

ive had the same problem on my 1998 Bmw 323i when i took my battery cable off what you have to do is leave your key in the ignition position 1 so the radio is on and says code wait. you have to leave the key in the ignition in that position for about 30- 1 hour long then it should reset back to where you enter your radio code. you only have about 3 trys to get the code right then it will say code wait again. you need to find out what your radio code is. my radio code was 46661 but we could have different radios. you can either bring your car to the dealer or just take out your radio and get the serieal number off of it which is what i did and i typed bmw radio code in online hope this helps !!

Unlocking the Delco Radio Theft-Deterrent Feature After a Power Loss

If you know the code that was used to lock the radio then use the following instructions from the owner's manual to unlock the radio.
Quote:
Enter your secret code as follows; pause no more than 15 seconds between steps:
1. Turn the ignition on. LOC will appear on the display.
2. Press MIN and 000 will appear on the display.
3. Press MIN again until the last two digits agree with your code.
4. Press HR until the first one or two digits agree with your code.
5. Press AM-FM after you have confirmed that the code matches your secret code. The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is now operable and secure.

If you enter the wrong code eight times, INOP will appear on the display. You will have to wait an hour with the ignition on before you can try again. When you try again, you will only have three more chances (eight tries per chance) to enter the correct code before INOP appears.
If you don't know the code that was used to lock the radio then you will have to use the dealer's unlock procedure as follows. The dealer code changes over time - the one listed is current as of this posting. If it doesn't work try 08359 or search the forum for messages with a more recent code.
Quote:
1. Press and hold presets 2 & 3 for about 10 seconds until the first three digits of the display code are displayed.
2. Write the numbers down.
3. Press the AM-FM button, write down the next three numbers.
4. Call 1-800-537-5140. When asked, enter dealer code 202108, press the * button, and enter the six digit code from the radio. You will get an unlock code, write it down.
5. Go back to the car, press the HR button and set the first two numbers, press the MIN button and set the next two numbers, then press the AM-FM button. The display will show SEC, indicating the radio is now operable and secure.

To remove the code, repeat step 5. you should see --- on the radio face indicating the code is now out of the radio."

You entered the wrong code and there is a limit to the number of tries. I believe you must wait an hour for your next attempt.

pull the radio, write down the serial #, call BMW and it will be a 4 digit code.

Dont enter the wrong one....you will then have to wait 1.5 hrs with the key on ACC and radio hooked up for the wrong code to clear to be able to enter in the correct code.

They figure radio thieves just dont have 1.5 hrs to hang around.

regain power, enter in 4 digit radio code. Don't enter in a wrong code you'll have to wait 1.5 hours with the key on ACC to try again.

The BMW anti-theft radio circuitry is designed to essentially render your radio unsalable if it is stolen. If the radio is subsequently electrically reconnected, it will not operate until a five-digit security code assigned to your radio is entered. The anti-theft features and operation are as follows:

1. After the ignition key is removed, the red "anti-theft" LED will continuously flash, drawing attention to this feature.
2. Should anyone, such as a thief, touch any push-button on the radio after the key is removed, the anti-theft inscription will flash and a warning tone will sound for 5 minutes or until the ignition is turned ON .
3. Should the voltage supply to the radio drop below 5 volts due to a dead battery, electrical repairs, or radio removal (such as theft), the radio will not function when voltage is restored. The word "code" will show in the display only.
4. The proper 5-digit code shown on the TWO CARDS SUPPLIED TO YOU must then be entered (using the proper number radio push-button selectors in the bottom row) when the radio is on and the display shows "code". If the correct code is not entered in three successive tries , the radio will not accept entry until the radio has been left on for one hour with the ignition ON . IMPORTANT: When entering 5-digit code number, be sure to complete sequence number of that 5-digit code. For example: Code No. sequence is 43215 and you mistakenly enter 42 instead of 3, continue the code number sequence of 215 to complete that entry. The radio will not operate and "code" will reappear in the display. Re-enter the correct number sequence of 43215 and operation of the radio will continue. The likelihood of guessing the correct code is extremely remote. The radio is, therefore, unsalable to a thief. NOTE: If an audible beep is heard while entering the 5-digit code, STOP immediately ! Begin entering the code again, starting with the first number of the 5-digit code.
5. The code card should be placed in your wallet, or with the vehicle title papers for security as deemed necessary by your individual needs.
6. Should radio or electrical repairs become necessary, please give the repairing facility the radio code number. If you do not, only authorized BMW dealer personnel can obtain the code from BMW.
7. Should you lose your code cards, contact the nearest BMW dealer who will then obtain your code from BMW. You may be charged for removal of the radio to ascertain the radio chassis number.
8. WARNING: FOR YOUR PROTECTION, CODES WILL NOT BE GIVEN OUT TO ANYONE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OTHER THAN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER PERSONNEL AFTER PROOF OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND PROPER IDENTIFICATION IS ESTABLISHED.
9. Install the 2 enclosed warning decals in accordance with motor vehicle regulations.

You will need to take your registration for the car and ID with you for proof of ownership with you to the dealership.

Take the headset to my BMW dealer and verify that you own this radio and then, they will look for the unlock code on their computers, of course after getting a specific serial # that’s placed on the back of the radio.

Enter the 5-digit Radio Code using the radios station preset buttons. After entering the fifth digit press the > button and the radio will activate. Any presets you had before the power loss will return. Apparently a capacitor in the radio holds that information

After failing to enter the correct code in 3 successive tries, you must leave the key in the "ignition on" position with the radio on. This will allow you 3 more tries to reset the 5 digit code.
If you enter an erroneous digit, you must complete the 5 digit code, even though it is wrong. You have 2 more attempts to enter the correct code.
Charlie