Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Post Reply
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by mrscalex »

I enquired to a dealer the other day about finding out the security code for the radio for the 2.2 project. I thought they had some sort of look up system. But he said they would need to put it on the diagnostics and retrieve it from there.

Does that sound right? I have INPA so can I do it from there?
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
User avatar
Robert T
Site Admin
Joined: Mon 12 Jun, 2006 10:35
Posts: 10170

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Cheshire

Re: Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by Robert T »

On a Z3? You're more likely to get a response from aliens.

To be fair, I don't have a BMW headunit, and I don't think many of the cars I have tested with INPA have either, but I find it highly unlikely. There are options for entertainment system on there, but I think they only apply to later cars with more sophisticated systems. About the only one that stands a chance is the i-bus CD changer system.

I think most people who have gone down this route have needed the VIN or serial number of the headunit.

Cheers R.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Tapatalk
Arctic Silver '99 Z3 1.9 & Black '59 Frogeye 1275cc
Image
Boosh
Joined: Sun 30 Nov, 2014 22:40
Posts: 324

  Z3 roadster 1.9i

Re: Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by Boosh »

Hi,
My local dealer retrieved the code for my OE head unit on the phone, just needing my registration. As it happened, my head unit had been upgraded to another car's Business CD unit, so it didn't work. I remember finding and downloading a code generator for Blaupunkt head units from some Rover forum (IIRC), and putting in my head unit's serial number. Regretfully the laptop I downloaded it on is no more, but that was only about 18 months ago, so might still be possible.
Hope that helps,

Boosh.
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by mrscalex »

Robert T wrote:On a Z3? You're more likely to get a response from aliens. Image
:lol: That's what I thought too. But I thought I should give the idea an airing.

That was Coopers of Reading. I sussed out that's where the 2.2 project was supplied new from. To be fair they were quick to respond and tried but it did sound unlikely. I was hoping they'd have some old service records for the car too. But they said they'd changed their system in 2014 and all old records were archived. That seemed a bit strange too.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by Brian4 »

Have you got the handbook? I guess you haven't otherwise you wouldn't be asking, could you contact the previous owner.

Here is a code retrieval site not used it myself but says it's free otherwise others are about for a fee £9-10.

https://www.radio-code.co.uk/bmw-radio-codes.html
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Retrieving radio security code with diagnostics

Post by mrscalex »

For info for others.

The start point is to see if you can retrieve your pass code from one of the databases of model types/serial numbers/pass codes that are out there. No idea how they got out there but plenty of people have access.

There are many paid services which just look into this database and also some free ones. Personally I'm very reluctant to go messing around on most of these sites but I found 2 apparently trustworthy ones.

Commerical site based in UK. Typical charge for instant online retrieval £10 but can be more:

http://www.dndservices.co.uk/manufactur ... ode=decode

Some types and some serial number sequences (mine included) can not be retrieved from the database. In which case you will be in for a bigger charge of typically £35 (including postage) to send it away and have it returned after being re-coded. If you can find a local specialist expect to pay about the same money - I found one in Swansea. Btw, in the end I contacted the previous owner and he kindly gave me the pass code.

http://www.dndservices.co.uk/codelocked ... ocked.html

There is also this enthusiasts forum. It seems genuine and you appear to get a response in about 48 hours. Presumably they have access to the same databases as everyone else but give out the codes for the fun of it:

http://www.techwatch.co.uk/forums/forum/discussions/

Original BMW head units are relatively expensive second-hand. The above prices may sound painful but are still cheaper (assuming success) than buying a replacement unit, especially CD versions.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Post Reply