Stuck anti-theft radio unit? (BAVARIA CII)

[jasonbk]

I have bavaria C II anti-theft radio (came as factory option) and recently I had my battery disconnected to clean the connectors.
this radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUQERRSmWto
Since then it asks for 4 digit code (code isn't written on the manual), I wanted to pull the radio to find the serial number so I bought 5 sided Allen key off the ebay.

But the problem is that I don't think there are any screws in this stereo because when I insert an allen key, I feel some sort of spring lock from the hole and allen key goes in about 2 inches deep (screws for e30 doesn't sit that deep).


Well, I can feel there is something in the end of the hole but I can't unscrew it (I've tried normal allen key, 5 sided bmw tools, flathead driver, everything) so I tried to insert 4 allen keys into each holes to find if it unlocks something..but nothing happened.

Now, if I go to dealership they'll charge $66 for removing the radio (I'm not even sure how they'd remove it)..and I don't think I can remove panel surrounding the stereo without removing the actual rado. What should I do?

[jasonbk]

Guys...anyone? I need to pull my radio out :(

[ethirtydavid]

if it feels like the allen is barely grabbing the screw head but slipping, it's likely someone in the past tried to take it out with the wrong tool and may have stripped the heads.

You know what size the head it because you have the key- have ya thought about going and picking up a reverse thread tap and seeing if you can get it out that way?
you will ruin the head, but the radio will be out. if the screws poke out enough you could dremel a flat slot and use flathead in the future. I am unfamiliar with this particular design radio. I know a different version e30 radio with 2 stealth tabs on each side with the allen screw hidden behind. These screws come out enough on removal for this process to work. Maybe you get lucky with yours too.

[jasonbk]

The problem is that I don't think they're any screws in the holes. The radio that you mentioned (one with 2 stealth tabs and allen screws behind) - the screws only sits few mm deep in the holes(like any other bmw radios) but in my car I can stick allen key more than 2 inches deep to the hole.. (on the picture I'm putting the long side of the allen key into the hole) so I'm suspecting that the screws are missing. Well I gotta try reverse tread tap and see if there is any screws in the hole. Thanks.

[lambo]

I know with my headunit I have to take the entire HVAC panel out to access it. It's a major pita.

[ethirtydavid]

you could pop out your hazard, defrost and blank panels above the radio and see if you get any more insight.
if there are not any screws in those holes, or you dont suspect they are stripped then the reverse out is not the solution.

[DaveSmed]

Looks like it takes the "ford style" radio removal tools.

[UNHCLL]

You need something like the above. Do not drill. Do not disassemble your dash.

[ISB E30]

Try the Ford style radio keys like pictured above. I know O'Reilly's has them on the shelf in the tool isle.

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[StereoInstaller1]

Wal Mart sells them too.

We never got that deck in the US, BTW.

[jasonbk]

Yes! I cut coat hanger to replicate those ford radio keys and it worked.

I went to the dealership to get a code but my audio would only accept 4 digit code(usually the code is 5 digits).
So I had to go to some audio forum and paid 2 euro to some guy and they sent me a code.