Rocky - if you are talking about your 560SL, that radio may not have a code. Some radios of that era need a special tool to reset the radio that only a few dealers still have. But that is generally only necessary when the radio is removed while the alarm system is on. In my 560SL I disconnected the battery many times and never had a problem. However, my 560SL had a radio from an '87 installed in it at some point. There may have been a change from '87 to '88?

It is so easy to follow the service manual requirements, so why not do it? Disconnect the battery and the SRS connector plug in the passenger footwell. Leave the SRS connector unplugged for at least 30 minutes prior to doing the airbag removal.

__________________
Len
'59 220S Cabriolet-SOLD and living happily in Malta
'83 240D 351,500 miles original owner-SOLD
'88 560SL 41,000 miles - totaled and parted out
https://sites.google.com/site/mercedesstuff/home
'99 E300 turbo 227,500 miles
'03 SLK320 40,000 miles - gave to my daughter
'14 Smart electric coupe 28,500 miles
'14 Smart electric cabriolet 28,500 miles
'15 Smart electric coupe 28,000 miles