04 X5 won't start. Code light comes on

[Qsilver7]

The emergency deactivation procedure for the OBC code is a one time thing...but that's because the OBC code is a one time thing. And yes to upallnight...this procedure would apply to all BMWs that had the HIGH instrument cluster and HIGH MID or NAV system which had the programmable OBC code feature (e32/e34/e38/e39/e53).. If the the car is only equipped with the LOW cluster and MID...then it will not have this feature.

This additional anti-theft feature can only be input after each shut down...then the "same" code that was entered to prevent the starting of the car by someone that has a working key...would need to be re-entered before the car would start up. It (the code) does not remain in memory...and if you wanted to "protect" the car again with a specific CODE...you'd need to enter it again the next time you shut the car down.

The emergency procedure that was posted...is the go-around when the CODE that was entered was forgotten...or unknown after an offspring or friend was playing around with the MID or Nav and entered a code but didn't know what was going to be the outcome and didn't remember what they had entered.

The odd thing about this feature...is that over the decades there have been examples where certain conditions has caused the IKE/OBC to throw up this CODE in the display and shut down starting. But it has normally been around some aftermarket install or an odd loss of power and the owner has had to enter 0000 or 0123 to get the car to start.

In this case, it appears pulling fuse 43 is bypassing the ignition/starter shut down. But again, I wonder if there's something with the aftermarket radio's wiring that is causing the OBC to shut down starting.

In regards to the OP reinstalling the original set-up...it needs to be determined what that set-up was. Did the vehicle originally come with the MID and indash CD or CASS unit (which is where the radio turner is incorporated)...or did it come with the NAV screen...which means that the radio tuner is installed in the rear left side of the trunk (near the CD changer & amp).

If the original set-up was the MID and indash unit...then there's two components that will need to be retrieved. If it came with the Navigation screen...then as mentioned...the original radio may still be installed in the trunk area and is just disconnected.