Question on Radio Codes

[chris22104]

OK. You buy a replacement vw beetle radio and the seller does not know the vin of the car it came out of or the code. Is this not part of the vin right on the sticker as well as printed directly on the side of the radio itself? If it is, is this enough for a dealer to look up the correct code? If correct and it is enough to look up the code, don't all the beetle radios have this on the side? And, how many digits is a code, 5? Thanks!

[GatorBeetle]

The code is 4 digits...I don't think that is part of a VIN, but I could be wrong...happens all the time.

Rob

[chris22104]

So this number is NOT part of the VIN, and therefore CANNOT help at all in determining the radio's code, correct? Anyone know for sure? Anyone, anyone, Buehler, Buehler, Buehler?

[chris22104]

Ok, I spoke with the dealership regarding radio codes. If you buy a replacement radio (head unit) used (tape player or cd version,) you DO NOT need the VIN of the car it came out of. All you need is the number printed on the side of the radio (see pic above.) They may (or may not ask you for the VIN of YOUR car, so they have some kind of record of it. The first service rep I spoke with wanted my VIN, while the second one I spoke with didn't even ask for my VIN. It is a 4 digit code. Problem solved. Thanks anyway guys! Chris

[GatorBeetle]

I think they at least want to be sure you own the type of car it is made for...so that you are not just getting the code to sell it. So, i suppose the leson here is, if you steal a bunch of NB radios you simply need to own a NB to sell them?!?