Free Bosch radio code, any make, in 24 hours
A Bosch radio code is worked out from the serial on the unit's label, whatever car it was fitted to, and our decoding desk does it by hand. FreeCarRadioCodes does that free or for $5, and either way the code comes back within 24 hours.
Where the serial is
Bosch built radios for Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Citroën, Mercedes, Ford, Nissan and plenty more, so the label looks much the same whatever badge is on the bonnet. It's on the metal casing, so the radio has to come out of the dash. Look for a serial starting 815CM, 905CM or 217CM, sometimes just CM, or A followed by a run of digits. A few units show a 6 or 7 digit number on the screen next to CODE. That number is the serial.
What happens next
We check the serial shape at once, then the request goes to our decoding desk, because Bosch codes are worked out by a person rather than the automatic system. You choose free or $5, and either way the code is emailed within 24 hours from [email protected] with the entry steps for your unit.
What we cover
| Radio | Code |
|---|---|
| 815CM serials | 24 hours |
| 905CM and 217CM serials | 24 hours |
| CM serials | 24 hours |
| A plus digits (Bosch part serials) | 24 hours |
| 6 or 7 digits shown on screen | 24 hours |
How to enter the code
- 1Switch the ignition on and the radio on. The screen shows CODE, with four dashes or zeros.
- 2Set each digit with preset buttons 1 to 4. Button 1 changes the first digit, 2 the second, and so on.
- 3Hold preset 5 or 6, or press the right arrow, to confirm. Which one depends on the unit, and the email tells you.
- 4A wrong code brings up SAFE or WAIT. Leave the radio switched on and try again when CODE returns. Each wrong try makes the wait longer.
Bosch radio code questions
Is a Bosch radio code free?
Yes. We work it out from the serial and email it free in 24 hours. You can pick $5 instead, but Bosch codes always go through our decoding desk, so allow the same 24 hours.
My car isn't a Fiat. Do I still use the Bosch page?
Yes, if your make isn't on the site. If it is, use the make's page. Both routes reach the same desk, and the serial is what matters, not the badge.
Why does a Bosch code take 24 hours even for $5?
Because no automatic calculation exists for Bosch serials. A person works each one out, and the desk promises 24 hours. Most come back sooner, but we only promise what we can keep.
The label has several numbers. Which one is the serial?
The line starting 815CM, 905CM or 217CM, usually the last one. The number starting 7 6 is the part number, and the barcode number is not the serial either.
The screen says SAFE, not CODE. Is that the same lock?
Yes. SAFE means the radio has had wrong codes and is waiting. Leave it switched on for an hour or so and CODE comes back, then enter the same code.