Radio - Theft Code Retention Information

Group 65
Radio and Accessories

Bulletin Number
65 19 92 (3629)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
September 1990
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Radio Theft Code Not Retained

MODELS:
'93 MY E36 (318i, 318is w/M42 engine)

Situation:
The radio (P/N 90 88 1 600 300P) may not retain the theft code after the code is entered. This occurs after the radio is installed, or the battery is disconnected, and the theft code is then entered. If power is interrupted to the radio within the first minute after the code is entered, the code will not be retained.

Cause:
The radio incorporates a new power circuit for the anti-theft memory. After the code is entered, it takes approximately 60 seconds for the memory capacitor to fully charge and stabilize. If the power to the radio is interrupted, even briefly (e.g., ignition turned off, vehicle started), the anti-theft code will be lost from memory and the radio will require code entry again.

Affected Vehicles:

Radio: Pioneer Radio P/N 90 88 1 600 300P (port unit)
(Installed in E36 318i, 318is only)

Radio Serial
Numbers: PMG0000001 - PMG0000100
PMH0000101 - PMH0003000

3000 units total

Solution:
Three warning decals will be attached to the top of the radio, the inside of the radio owner's manual, and the back of the anti-theft radio identification card. The decal will read as follows:

"After Radio installation and security code initialization, wait approximately one minute before attempting to start vehicle to allow Radio to stabilize the code. Otherwise recoding may be necessary."

This initialization "waiting period" should be followed to ensure theft code retention.

Note:
Radios with serial numbers from PMH0003001 will have an improved capacitor charging circuit and will not require this extra wait step. In addition, all exchange units will not require the wait step.

Warranty Status: Information only.