The MID (Multi-function Information Display) is commonly mistaken for a radio - as it displays radio operational info. It is actually just a data display/entry device that communicates with several systems over the car's data bus.

Removing the MID to install an aftermarket radio requires you to either relocate the MID somewhere else in the car or replace it's operational functions with aftermarket software (on an android head unit).

Since much of the data on the MID is actually from the instrument cluster (IKE), it's an important component - at least on cars with no factor NAV system. The inability to set data etc. in the instrument cluster (IKE) can lead to this no start situation, as the anti-theft code is part of the IKE and it requires a MID unit, a factory Nav system or aftermarket software to set/unset or enable/disable it. :rolleyes:

That brings up an interesting point: there is a good chance the aftermarket radio actually talks to the car and can perform the functions of the MiD though it’s own screen or via phone. Also: look in and under the glove box for a relocated MiD.


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This is very informative and precise. And no argument about your assessment. But..why has the car operated properly sometimes? This one has me stumped.

It's not unheard of for power issues to cause the IKE to flip into "anti-theft mode enabled" and if you don't know what the last code set was or have a way to input that code, you have your problem. :confused:

The OP is not the first... :(

Qsilver7, I've never been very clear on if this procedure actually clears the code or is a one-time work-around and the next start you have the same issue?

I'm guessing it clears the code (resets it back to "0000") and disables it. :dunno:

It can only be a temporary fix there’s no way that would clear the code to be too easy for thieves.
At least that’s the only logical thought


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Is this feature available for the E53? I know I had this on my E34 Touring.

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.

You didn't see a countdown because you don't have the MID or the Nav screen where this info would be displayed.

I wonder if you could have reinserted fuse #43 after the car had started to get the instrument cluster back. Or would that have blown the fuse? :dunno:

I was wondering the same thing but I wouldn't expect blown fuse, but maybe it would kill the engine.