Is your Mercedes radio locked and showing "CODE" on the display? You're not alone. Thousands of Mercedes owners face this frustrating situation after a battery replacement, disconnection, or electrical work. The good news? You don't need to visit an expensive Mercedes dealer to unlock your radio.
🚗 Why Is My Mercedes Radio Locked?
Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a built-in anti-theft security system that locks the radio when power is interrupted. Common triggers include:
- Battery replacement or disconnection — Most common cause
- Electrical repairs — Any work on the vehicle's electrical system
- Dead battery — Complete battery drain locks the radio
- Fuse issues — Radio fuse replacement triggers the lock
- Purchasing a used Mercedes — Previous owner may not have provided the code
💡 Quick Fact
Once your Mercedes radio is locked, it requires a unique 4-digit anti-theft code to unlock. This code is specific to your radio's serial number and cannot be guessed.
🔓 3 Ways to Unlock Mercedes Radio Without Visiting Dealer
Method 1: Get Your Code Online in 15 Minutes — Updated 2025 (Recommended ✅)
The fastest and most cost-effective solution is using an online Mercedes anti-theft code service like antitheftcode.com:
- Find your radio serial number — Usually starts with ME, BE, A, or W
- Submit your serial number online — Takes 2 minutes
- Receive your code via email — Within 15 minutes during business hours
- Enter the code — Your radio unlocks instantly
Cost: €25 (vs €50-150 at dealers)
Time: 15 minutes (vs 3-5 days at dealers)
Success Rate: 100% guaranteed
Method 2: Check Your Owner's Manual
Some Mercedes owners receive a radio code card with their vehicle documentation. Check:
- Inside the glove box
- Owner's manual pocket
- Service book
Note: Only about 20% of used Mercedes have the original code card available.
Method 3: Contact Mercedes Dealership (Most Expensive)
You can visit an authorized Mercedes dealer, but expect:
- €50-150 service fee
- 3-5 days wait time
- Proof of ownership required
- Appointment usually necessary
📋 How to Find Your Mercedes Radio Serial Number
To get your unlock code, you'll need your radio's serial number. Here's how to find it:
For Most Mercedes Models (W204, W212, W221):
- Turn off your Mercedes ignition
- Press and hold the following buttons simultaneously:
- On Audio 10/20/50: Press "1" + "6" or "M" button
- On Comand NTG: Press both sides of the telephone button
- While holding, turn the ignition to position 2 (don't start engine)
- The serial number will appear on the display
- Write down the complete serial number
Alternative Method (Physical Label):
If the above method doesn't work, you can physically remove the radio to find the serial number label:
- Use radio removal tools (available online for €5-10)
- Insert tools into the slots on both sides of the radio
- Pull gently while applying even pressure
- Find the serial number label on the radio's casing
⚠️ Important
Only remove the radio if you're comfortable with the process. If unsure, send us a photo of your radio unit and we'll help you identify the serial number.
🔢 How to Enter Your Mercedes Anti-Theft Code
Once you have your 4-digit unlock code:
- Turn on your Mercedes ignition (position 2)
- The radio display will show "CODE"
- Use the preset buttons (1-4) to enter each digit:
- Press button 1 multiple times for the 1st digit
- Press button 2 multiple times for the 2nd digit
- Press button 3 multiple times for the 3rd digit
- Press button 4 multiple times for the 4th digit
- Once all 4 digits are entered correctly, press and hold the "5" or "OK" button
- Your radio will unlock and begin working immediately
💡 Pro Tip
You typically have 10 attempts to enter the correct code. After that, the radio may lock for 1 hour. If you're unsure about your code, double-check before entering.
🎯 Which Mercedes Models Are Supported?
Our Mercedes anti-theft code service supports all models and radio types:
Popular Mercedes Models:
- C-Class: W202, W203, W204, W205, W206
- E-Class: W210, W211, W212, W213
- S-Class: W220, W221, W222
- A-Class: W168, W169, W176, W177
- B-Class: W245, W246, W247
- CLA-Class: C117, C118
- GLA, GLC, GLE, GL, ML-Class — All generations
Radio Systems Supported:
- Audio 10 (CD / Cassette)
- Audio 20 (CD)
- Audio 50 (APS / CD)
- Audio 50 APS
- Comand NTG 1
- Comand NTG 2
- Comand NTG 2.5
- Comand NTG 3
- Comand NTG 4 / 4.5 / 4.7
- Comand NTG 5
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to get my Mercedes anti-theft code?
A: Within 15 minutes during business hours (UTC 06:00-18:00). Most codes are delivered in under 10 minutes.
Q: Will entering the wrong code damage my radio?
A: No, but after 10 incorrect attempts, your radio will lock for 1 hour as a security measure.
Q: Can I use the same code if my battery dies again?
A: Yes! Your Mercedes anti-theft code is permanent and specific to your radio. Save it for future use.
Q: What if my radio serial number starts with AL or BP?
A: These are Becker or Alpine radio systems. We support these too! Just submit your serial number and we'll handle the rest.
Q: Is this service legal?
A: Absolutely. We only provide codes to authorized vehicle owners. You must prove ownership of the vehicle.
💰 Cost Comparison: Online Service vs Mercedes Dealer
| Service | antitheftcode.com | Mercedes Dealer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €25 | €50-150 |
| Delivery Time | 15 minutes | 3-5 days |
| Success Rate | 100% | ~95% |
| Convenience | From home | Visit required |
| Support | 24/7 | Business hours |
🎉 Ready to Unlock Your Mercedes Radio?
Don't waste time and money at the dealer. Get your Mercedes anti-theft code in just 15 minutes:
✅ 100% Success Rate • 💰 Money-Back Guarantee • ⚡ 15-Minute Delivery • 💶 Only €25
📝 Summary
- Mercedes radios lock after battery disconnection or replacement
- You need your radio's unique serial number to get the unlock code
- Online services deliver codes in 15 minutes for €25
- Dealers charge €50-150 and take 3-5 days
- Your Mercedes anti-theft code is permanent — save it for future use
- All Mercedes models from 1995-2024 are supported
Need help? Contact our expert support team at [email protected]
📚 Related Articles You Might Find Helpful
- Complete Mercedes Anti-Theft Code Guide 2025 - Everything you need to know about Mercedes radio codes
- How to Find Your Mercedes Radio Serial Number - Step-by-step guide with photos
- Mercedes Radio Code Not Working? 7 Fixes - Troubleshooting guide for common issues
- W204 C-Class Radio Code Guide - Specific instructions for C-Class models