Looking for your BMW radio code? Take a look in your glove box and owner’s manual and try to find a five-digit code. You’ll need this string of digits to unlock your radio after each time your battery’s been disconnected.

It can be frustrating when all you want to do is listen to some music from your favorite rock station, but your radio won’t let you without a code. If you want to figure out what’s going on and how to fix it,

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Why your BMW needs a radio code

At first glance, it might seem strange that your radio has a code protecting it—after all, it’s just a radio, right?

It turns out that your car’s radio is actually one of the most frequently stolen vehicle components (though the incidents of radio theft are decreasing as radio resale values go down).

As a result, your radio has a code that acts as a deterrent for thieves. Whenever your radio is disconnected from your battery, it will ask for a code before you can begin its regular use–-and this can get annoying to deal with if you’re just dealing with getting your car working again after a jumpstart.

How to find your BMW’s radio code

The easiest way to fix this issue is to hold down your radio’s power button for a couple of seconds. This will reset your radio, but it doesn’t always work. That’s why you’re going to need to look in your glove box and owner’s manual for something labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code”.

Don’t be fooled—your radio code is only five digits long. Anything longer or shorter won’t work.

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How to look up a BMW’s radio code

If you can’t find your radio code in your glove box or owner’s manual, you can also use your

vehicle identification number (VIN)

and radio serial number to find it.

Find your VIN by looking in the following places:

Driver’s side dashboard

Driver’s side door jamb

Under the hood

Driver’s side quarter panel

Title record

Insurance card

Once you have your VIN, start looking for your serial number. Keep in mind that your vehicle’s model or year may change how you can find this number.

Begin by inserting your key, but leaving it in the off position. Press and hold the “M” button on your radio, and then turn your key to the on position without releasing the button.

Your radio's serial number should appear on the display. On older models, you may need to remove the radio itself to find the serial number.

Once you have your VIN and your serial number, you can find your BMW’s radio code by:

Calling BMW’s customer relations number: 1-800-831-1117

Calling the BMW Genius Hotline: 1-844-4GENIUS

Calling the BMW iHotline: 1-855-236-1025

Visiting your Audi dealership

Visiting your mechanic

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Are you looking to save some money for a new radio?

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