I've got a 96 C280 - I'm the original owner (155k miles and counting - yeehaw!)

I recently disconnected the battery, which forced a radio code reset. After pulling out my original code card, which remains in it's original shrink wrapped package, I entered the 5 digit code. It didn't work. I tried it again, and again and rechecked the procedures in teh manual and tried it againa and again and again. UGH!

Now I'm in 'code jail'.

Why will my code not work? It's the original radio in the car and the MB provided original code? How long do I need to wait to try the code again (I've been through 2 10 minute wait cycles already - so I think this is the 24 hour one I am up against)? Can a dealer unlock this for me?

Thanks for your help!

Matt

the radio was likely replaced at some point or the card is wrong, have you used this code code before? if you pull the unit, i can get you the correct code from the serial number on the radio

__________________
1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins

Unless someone broke into the car and switched radios or info cards on me, they are all original.

The S/N on the info card is AL 2396 S 1238183
The code on the info card is 23631

Can someone confirm that this is not a misprint or something?

How do I pull the radio to verify the S/N on the radio is the same S/N on the card?

that is the same code i get from that serial number

to pull it you will need these tools, see link below or if you are near san diego, i will do it for you

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Benz-C-CL-CLK-E-S-SL-Radio-Stereo-Removal-Tool_W0QQitemZ330113086060QQihZ014QQcategoryZ35625QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

__________________
1967 250 S
1967 280SE
1968 250S
1971 280 SE
1973 220
1974 280 S
1975 450 SEL
1976 220 D
1979 300SD
1983 300 SD
1985 230 TE euro
1986 280SL
1986 500 SEL euro
1986 190E 2.3
1990 300 SE
2003 C230 K
2004 C230 K
1987 560SEL
1987 300SDL now in canada
2005 C230
1998 C43 AMG Sold to DON
1993 190E 2.6
300TD Former daily driver Totaled
current:
R320 CDI
Ram 2500 Cummins