Blaupunkt Radio Code Guide
Blaupunkt is one of the oldest names in car audio, and its OEM radios were fitted as factory equipment to vehicles from Opel/Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Nissan, Fiat, Ford and many others throughout the 1990s and 2000s. If you see SAFE, CODE or a blank display after disconnecting the battery, you need the BP serial number from the unit's sticker to obtain the unlock code. This guide covers all Blaupunkt OEM models.
Why Blaupunkt Radios Lock
Every Blaupunkt OEM radio manufactured from the early 1990s onwards includes a code lock tied to the permanent 12-volt supply. Power loss — whether from a battery change, a blown fuse, or extended storage — triggers the lock. The unit calculates unlock codes using what engineers call a Latin-square scramble algorithm, which means the code can be derived mathematically from the BP serial number without needing to contact the original dealership.
Finding the BP Serial Number
Unlike VW/Audi units, Blaupunkt OEM radios generally do not offer an on-screen serial display via a button combination. The serial must be read from the physical label on the unit:
- Note the serial format first: Blaupunkt OEM serials begin with BP followed by seven to eight characters (letters and digits). Some units have a longer 14-character string. The BP prefix is the key identifier.
- Access the label: Use DIN extraction keys (four flat metal hooks) inserted into the four corner slots on the unit fascia. The unit slides straight out. The sticker is on the top casing — photograph it or write it down in full.
- Alternative — glove box or service book: Some manufacturers kept a copy of the serial or the code itself on a card in the service documentation. Check there first as it saves the extraction step.
Entering the Blaupunkt Code
The code entry method depends on which host vehicle the radio is fitted to, but the most common sequence is:
- Switch the ignition on and confirm the display shows SAFE, CODE, or simply a blinking cursor.
- Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3 and 4 to set each digit. Each press increments that position by one (wraps from 9 back to 0).
- Press button 5 or hold AM/FM to confirm. The display should flash OK and then show the last active station.
Order your code with the BP serial at our brand lookup page.
Vehicles That Used Blaupunkt OEM Radios
| Manufacturer | Typical Models | Years | Blaupunkt Unit Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opel/Vauxhall | Corsa C/D, Astra H/J, Zafira B, Meriva A/B | 2000–2014 | CD 30, CDC 40, DVD 90 |
| Volkswagen | Golf IV/V, Polo 9N, Passat B5/B6, Touran | 1998–2008 | RCD 200, RCD 300 |
| Fiat | Punto II/III, Panda II/III, Bravo II, 500 | 2003–2014 | Blue&Me OEM, Fiat CD |
| Nissan | Micra K12/K13, Note E11, Qashqai J10 | 2002–2013 | Nissan OEM CD |
| Audi (early) | A3 8L, A4 B5, TT 8N | 1997–2002 | Blaupunkt Gamma/Delta |
| Renault | Clio II/III, Megane II, Laguna II | 1999–2008 | Philips div./Blaupunkt |
Identifying a Blaupunkt OEM Radio
Many Blaupunkt OEM radios are badged with the car manufacturer's logo rather than the Blaupunkt name — you will only see Blaupunkt stamped on the rear casing or on the extraction sticker. The BP serial prefix is the definitive identifier. If your serial starts with BE, that is a Becker unit (Mercedes/Opel). If it starts with GR, that is a Harman unit (BMW). Only BP indicates Blaupunkt.
Troubleshooting
- SAFE 1000 on screen: Normal Blaupunkt lock-out display. The unit is waiting for code entry. Press button 1 to start entering the first digit.
- Wrong code entered — WAIT displayed: Leave the ignition in ACC position for one hour. After the wait period the display returns to CODE/SAFE mode.
- Serial not visible on label: Very old Blaupunkt units (pre-1996) sometimes have only a part number rather than a BP serial. In that case, the unit's manufacturing date and host vehicle model may allow an alternative lookup — contact our support team.
- Code confirmed but radio still shows SAFE: Some Vauxhall CD 30 units require a longer press on the confirm button (hold for two seconds rather than a brief tap).
- Blaupunkt in a VW showing VWZ serial: If the unit was replaced with an RCD 300 at some point, it may carry a VWZ serial rather than BP. VWZ serials are processed differently — see our VW guidance on the brand page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Blaupunkt BP serial the same across all the cars it is fitted to?
No. Each individual unit has a unique BP serial regardless of the vehicle it was originally installed in. The code derived from that serial will unlock the unit in any car.
My Vauxhall Astra has a CD 30 — is that made by Blaupunkt?
The CD 30 was supplied by both Blaupunkt and Delphi depending on production date. If the serial starts with BP, it is a Blaupunkt. If it starts with BE, it is a Delco/Becker unit. Both use four-digit codes and the same button entry method, but they require different lookup algorithms.
Can I get the code without removing the radio?
Not for most Blaupunkt OEM units — unlike VW/Audi radios, they do not display the serial via an on-screen button sequence. Physical extraction is usually required unless the code was noted in the service documentation.
Will the Blaupunkt code work in a different car if I swap the unit?
Yes. The code is tied to the unit's BP serial, not the vehicle's VIN. A Blaupunkt from an Opel Corsa will work in a different Corsa or even a different make of car, and it will unlock with the same code derived from its BP serial.
How many digits is the Blaupunkt code?
Standard Blaupunkt OEM codes are four digits. A small number of older premium Blaupunkt units (such as those fitted to 1990s Audi models) use a different format. The serial prefix will indicate which — a BP serial always yields a four-digit code.