hello. could use some help with this. we have an 02 mini that the battery had to be taken out to replace the ignition switch. the dealer told us to leave key in 1st position for 2 hours to reset it did not work. the radio still says disabled. does anyone have any ideas? thanks

 

With an '02 vintage radio, you need to enter a security unlock code after disconnection from power. The newer radios (starting around '03-'04) don't have this requirement.

 

do we get the code from a dealer? nothing in the manual and we have to get the radio to ask for the code

 

I had this problem about a year ago with my 02' R50. I called my local BMW/MINI dealer and gave them the serial number off the back of the head unit. They will need this and the VIN number. They will give you the factory code for your radio. However, the code they give you is 5 Digits and theres only room to enter 4 Digits. No one knows not even MINI USA what the procedure is to enter the code. They gave me a 5 Digit number and I tried for over a month to get answers from 3 different dealers and MINI USA on how I can reset the factory radio. I didnt want to be charged for it so I never went to the dealership. They will tell you that your MINI uses a CAN-Bus "Controller Area Network" for your modules to communicate with each other as well as OBDII and BMW/MINI diagnostic tools. This is very true and I have time to play with the network a little bit and its pretty reliable when it works. They will say it gets its security code from the Bus and if it is working properly you shouldnt need a code. This is absolutly true unless someone has gone into the radio and set security from "BUS" to "MAN" which then means the code has to be entered Manually and is not provided by the "BUS" at this time. No matter how much I tried to explain my situation I was told I was wrong and I had to bring it to the dealer for Diagnostics. They will tell you that theres no possible way to enter a code nor does it need one to be typed in to work. Then why the hell do they have a "FACTORY" Code for the radio. I did my research and finally threw that "POS" CD-53 Business radio in the trash and bought an aftermarket Head unit that works with a 2ohm stereo system. I am currently in school for Automotive Training and have numerous resources at my disposal including BMW/MINI TIS and every where I searched turned up nothing on Manually entering the radio code. So good luck and let me know how it goes. Im kind of courious.

Recap:

A) You can get your Radio Code from the dealer.
B) Its 5 Digits and you can only enter 4 Digits.
C) The radio is provided a security code from the BUS.
D) You can also manually enter the code. "Which allows for the radio to be put in vehicles without a BMW "BUS" system."
E) BMW/MINI deny that you can manually enter a CODE.
F) By an aftermarket radio. Its cheaper and less of a headache.
GOOD LUCK

 

I had this issue and other side effects. Blinker indicator on gauge not working was one other.. For me it turned out the CD changer was bad all of a sudden. Unplugged the changer in rear and it worked fine.

 

Try pressing and holding down the M button after turning on the radio. Then you should be able to get to an item for entering the security code. See GBMINI's post #4 in this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...am-player.html

 

Hi,

I had the same problem with my radio. If you guys haven't solved the problem let me know. I know how to fix it.

Flor