Changing Battery, removing radio...?

[abcxyz]

Hi~
I have to change my battery tomrorow and from what I read, the radio code needs to be put in which I don't have.

I read somewhere that someone was able to obtain the radio code with JUST the VIN number. Is that true, or do you really need the serial # from the back of the radio?

If the serial number is needed, can the radio be removed any other way than with the allen key? I don't have one right now that fits that alley key hole. Can it be removed like the on board computer and climate control by simply pulling it out?

Also, will all my on board computer facts be reset, such as the consumption?

I have a 1998 328is

Thanks for any help.

[Jeron]

The allen screws are weird 5 sided ones and they retract wings that keep the radio in place. You can just wedge a tool in there and turn them.

Your on board computer MPG etc will be reset.

You can hook up another battery in parallel while you do the swap or they make gizmo's that use a little 9v battery that will keep you memory settings.

[abcxyz]

Thanks for the reply....i went to the mechanic I get my oil changes at, and they popped it out and called the dealer and got the radio code for me.

Yep, the onboard computer was all reset. I guess the only thing I wanted was the Consumption2 which I haven't reset since I bought the car in 2003, although i guess it's not accurate with just my data anyway as I bought the car used from someone else.

Interestingly, all the radio presets were still there...

[Jeron]

Yeah the radio presets stay which is nice once the display dies which is inevitable.

[Jeron]

I store my radio code in my cel phone.