Fortunately, when the radio was replaced some time in the car's past it had been done by a MB dealer. Because of that, my nearest dealer had the new radio's serial number and access code on their database. Otherwise I would have had to send the radio to Alpine through the dealer at a cost in time and money I can't imagine. Either that or pay $68 to have the code looked up for me by some third party on-line code broker.

By the way, if you enter the wrong code too many times, the radio goes into a "wait" mode. To get out of the wait mode you have to turn the key to the accessory position, supplying power to the radio, and turn on the radio for two uninterrupted hours. Then it will revert back to the mode allowing you to enter the access code.

A happy ending to what could have easily been a major pain!

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2003 Hyundai Santa Fe, Silver
1999 C280 Sport, Black
1997 Ford Escort, Toreador Red