Can't start,, asking for code
 

I've been trying to tint the side windows today. Had the key on to roll down/up the windows to do it. Seemed like I ran down the battery during this and when I went to start the X, it was dead...... At first I hooked up the battery charger, but when I went to start... all I get was the car alarm.... I switched to battery cables from my 2500HD... and I still get the alarm.... The nav screen is asking for a code .... that I know nothing about... Please help....

It's a user specified code that is used as an anti-theft measure. Basically to start the engine you need to enter it. It's all in the owners manual. If you didn't specify the code previously, the previous owner may have. Im not sure of anyway around it off hand.

I ran into this as well when my battery died and I replaced it. There is a time out period you can use toget past this. I believe it was in the manual. Essentially you leave the key on for a specific period of time and it bypasses the code. Then it never asks again.

the code is set everytime you turn the engine off, and manually set it - it is NOT/NOT set automatically... in your case, it was set by the gremlin in the dying battery, and my bet is, it was a random, 4 digit number...

As VonBimmer mentioned, there is a well documented time out procedure, in the manual, where you just sit out the timer and then start the car normally - it is done as a anti theft, preventive type of measure...

I use the feature only if i am parked in the area that i am not comfortable with, like gas station where i set the code, then leave the car to pump the gas, and worry that somebody will want to jump the car - i'd just throw keys at him and run for cover... call the cops, while he is trying to figure out what is happening...

the code feature is not good for a quick get-away - so, if you are chased by a T-Rex, it is not a good idea to have the code in the car, as you will lose time entering it, assuming, you still remember, what the fricking thing was!!!

I ran into this too and I believe I just used zeros. Try just using only zeros. However, I thought it was a radio code it was asking on the nav. I can't remember completely.

Yeah, here in this thread killcrap suggests the same as me so just try it.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...9-59-mins.html


Also, another person removed/replaced the key and eventually it started.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...g-battery.html

Thanks for the responses everyone. I've made threads like this before, and somehow "afterwards" I have a moment of clarity.:rofl: I checked the owners manual !!!!!

It said to leave the key in position 1 for 60 minutes (obviously while on a battery charger), then turn off the ignition, remove/reinsert the key.... start ! Worked like a charm.