Radio code how to???

[Oldmsct]

I plan on replacing the business radio in my '04 Z4. I want to avoid the outrageous cost of getting the code from my local BMW dealer. I found the website of "radio-code.com" that alleges for a small fee to be able to supply the correct code for virtually all makes and models of cars that require a code.
Has anyone used this service? I fear a scam.

Thanks to any responders.

 

[ExMX5owner]

The website appears broken from down under. Smells fishy...

 

[DomiMik]

From what I know there's no such thing as a radio code for the E85 Z4 series. You can install any used radio, it should work plug&play.

 

[Oldmsct]

From what I know there's no such thing as a radio code for the E85 Z4 series. You can install any used radio, it should work plug&play.

Well, I will try but that's not what my mechanic, the local BMW service dept. or the Crutchfield co. say.
There's at least 8-10 online sites that claim to be able to code the radio. If anyone has used any of them, I'd like to know your experience.

 

[Duncodin]

Do you mean the pin code that you might need to key into a radio if the power was cut? I suppose if you sold your old radio then the buyer would want that pin - if the radio has one.

Or are you saying that if you buy a new radio then that somehow needs coding to 'your' car's control system? That's a new one on me. Unlikely because it would need the radio manufacturer to supply radio that somehow communicates with the car's control system.

If you're buying a legit radio - ie not one that was stolen - then if it needs a pin it should have it included.

 

[Zephyr]

From what I know there's no such thing as a radio code for the E85 Z4 series. You can install any used radio, it should work plug&play.

I tend to agree with this. Had swapped from tape to CD on my 3 series and my 5 series and it was just pop out, plug in and job done.
But never had a Z4 so not sure if this stands for them also.
General rule is that they have a pin code when the radio is easy to be removed ex Z3, E36 and such.

 

[petecossie]

I’ve use a company on eBay to get code for a radio for small fee. Sent code through and worked a treat.
I’m at Silverstone Classic at the mo, sheltering from the rain in a gazebo. Will look up details when I get back to hotel and let you know.

 

[DomiMik]

Well, I will try but that's not what my mechanic, the local BMW service dept. or the Crutchfield co. say.
There's at least 8-10 online sites that claim to be able to code the radio. If anyone has used any of them, I'd like to know your experience.

I asked some E85 owners over here and they all claim the same thing, they never needed a code after a radio swap. Very interesting that your BMW says something different. Maybe regional differences?

 

[petecossie]

The company I used was - Radio Code Helden - it's based in Germany, I bought through eBay - £3.26. They sent the code the same day in a message. The radio wasn't in a car so a auto electrician I knew through local car club tested the radio for me and input the code I provided from this company. Radio fired up and worked ok without any problem.

 

[t-tony]

I had an E85 Z4 2003 and never needed a radio code. I took the radio out several times.

Tony.

 

[Oldmsct]

Well, I will try but that's not what my mechanic, the local BMW service dept. or the Crutchfield co. say.
There's at least 8-10 online sites that claim to be able to code the radio. If anyone has used any of them, I'd like to know your experience.

I had an E85 Z4 2003 and never needed a radio code. I took the radio out several times.

Tony.

Thanks Tony. Do you still have a place in Orlando???

 

[t-tony]

Thanks Tony. Do you still have a place in Orlando???

Hi, for one month we have. Sale closes at end of September .

Tony.

 

[Oldmsct]

Hi, for one month we have. Sale closes at end of September .

Tony.

Let me guess. Insurance cost?

 

[Oldmsct]

GOOD NEWS!!! The radio is in, and it was PNP!!! Apparently, there are advantages to owning 20-year-old cars.

Thanks again to all respondents.

 

[t-tony]

Let me guess. Insurance cost?

One of the main reasons. We've been with Progressive for 13 years and they have decide to pull out of the Florida market apparently due to Hurricane damage costs. They gave notice that they would not be renewing again. That added to all the other big bills.

Tony.

 

[Oldmsct]

You probably could get Ins. through Citizens and pay out through the nose. We'll probably sell our place too in the near future. (At a new low)
I'm getting too old for the trip.