I have recently purchased a 1990 560SEL from an individual with out getting the code for the radio. I have provided the VIN so that someone with more knowledge than I, or access to the "books" will be able to help out. Thanks in advance.

WDBCA39E4LA502596

Regards,
Dave
jmhenneman@frontier.net

You should be able to go to your local Mercedes-Benz dealer and ask for a VMI (Vin Master Inquiry) free of charge.

Provide them with your vin# and they will pull up the history on the car, which includes all warranty work, recalls etc done on the car.

Usually, they have a list of the standard and optional equipement that came on your car, along with the radio unlock code.

__________________
2003 E55 AMG
2007 FJ Cruiser

If I'm not mistaken, your car still has the earlier style radio that needs to go to the dealer to have the face plate removed and a reset tool inserted. Shortly after MBs came with a radio that said Mercedes Benz on the front. Incidently when you pull one of these radios out it says " made in Japan" on it. These radios came with a 4 digit code given to the owner. If the code has been lost MB can look it up for you providing the radio hasn't been exchanged under warrantee. The code on the replacement isn't in the system.

Peter
Auto Zentral Ltd.

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.

Congrats, Dave on your new ride! Check out this thread, also:

Becker AM/FM Cassette

John

I've noted several posts over the months saying that the local Mercedes dealer will provide a "VMI" if asked.
So far, I've tried two different dealers in the Washington, DC area and got two different responses:
First- Sorry, your 1996 is too old. VMI's are only for newer cars. (he DID give me my radio code though)
Second - Did you buy your Mercedes here? No? I'm sorry I can't help you...

You guys must have more cooperative dealers than I have around here...

KenP

2-3 years ago, I paid $20 at dealer to have them recode it since I did not have the radio code on my 89 300E. A month ago after I replacing th battery on my 90 560 sec, I have to enter the code to get the radio work, and this time I did have the code for that car. otherwise I have to go to dealer again. And when I paid the $20, I did not recall dealer giving out the code to me, so I still don't have the code for 300E

I guess its just a matter of finding a service manager who is willing to help. First guy (the one that said my car was too old) was very polite, gave me the radio code after looking on his computer for a bit, and wished me a good day.
The second guy was borderline rude when I told him I didn't buy my car from his dealership... but, I did have both hands full of parts fresh from their part counter.
I'll just keep looking for the right guy...
KenP