Radio Code?
 

I unplugged my battery. The radio display is asking me for a code. I bought the car used and it did not come with a user manual.

98 BMW 328 is

Thanks in advanced for your help.

I think there is a way to get it but it involves contacting either BMW or Alipne.

You'll need to pull the radio out of the dash ( http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Radio/E36-Radio.htm ), & get the serial number off the top of the unit. Then you can either call a local BMW dealership service department, or a private shop you have a relationship with. Give them you vin number, & the radio serial number and they can find the correct code for you. Make SURE you write it down for further reference.

Ok, thanks for the help!!!

Well at least there is comfort in knowing that my tape deck is safe. Do tapes even exist anymore?

Replacement with a new $100 headunit is of course preferable.

I keep my radio code stored in my phone.

I'd even take that once step further. I you want to keep the stock e36 look, but wanna replace that dog C33 alpine, I'd suggest the C43 or CD43 made by alpine as well.

The C43 looks similar to the C33, but deletes the weather band, & adds PTY & RDS, so when listening to stations that offer it, you get read outs of the station genre, song title, & identification. It also has no high end limit, so it makes much, much better use of the factory amp. It also has a scan feature that replaces the weather band button.

The CD43 is the same unit, only instead of a tape deck, it has an in dash CD player. This is great if you don't have a trunk mounted changer.

The C43 used goes between $150-$180 on eBay, & the CD43 goes between $200-$250. If you consider getting your old C33 fixed (it almost certainly has a dimly lit display), that will cost you $75.00 alone, plus the shipping costs. Even buying a new C33 in good (fully lit display) condition will cost you $100 like Jeron eluded. So for an extra $50, you will have a much better unit, with more features, nice bright display, & better output.