Mercedes A-Class Radio Code — Unlock It Online

The Mercedes A-Class radio has displayed a code request — and if you have just had a battery change or a flat, that is entirely expected. Every A-Class from the original W168 through to the current W177 generation carries an anti-theft lock on its OEM head unit. Unlocking it takes only the serial number and the corresponding 4-digit code. This guide covers all four generations and tells you exactly where to look and what to do.

Why the Mercedes A-Class Radio Locks

Mercedes-Benz radio units from Becker and Harman lock automatically when their power supply is cut. The radio stores the lock state in memory and prompts for the code the next time it powers up. Without the code, the unit functions as an expensive paperweight — a deliberate anti-theft measure.

A-Class head units across the generations have carried the names Audio 5, Audio 10 CD, Audio 20, NTG 1, NTG4, NTG4.0, NTG4.5, and COMAND NTG5. Older units use a 5-digit code retrieved from the serial; later COMAND and NTG5 units in the W176 and W177 may be VIN-bound.

Finding the Mercedes A-Class Radio Serial Number

Mercedes uses a BE-prefixed serial number (or occasionally no prefix) on its Becker and Harman units:

W168 A-Class (1997–2004): Audio 5 and Audio 10 CD units. The serial is on a sticker on the top of the unit — you need to remove the radio using appropriate extraction tools. Alternatively, press and hold presets 1 and 4 to attempt a display readout.
W169 A-Class (2004–2012): Audio 20 and NTG 1/NTG4.0 units. Serial via button hold (presets 1 and 4) or barcode label on unit.
W176 A-Class (2012–2018): Audio 20 / NTG4.5 and COMAND NTG4.5. Serial from the unit label or via COMAND menu: System → System information.
W177 A-Class (2018–present): COMAND NTG5 / MBUX. Many of these are VIN-paired — if so, they re-authenticate without a code. If a code is requested, use the MBUX display to find the serial in system information.

With your serial number ready, use our Mercedes code lookup page to retrieve your unlock code.

Getting the Code Online

Enter the full serial at radiocodelookup.com. Our database covers Audio 5, Audio 10 CD, Audio 20, and NTG-series head units across all four A-Class generations. Your 4- or 5-digit code is emailed promptly. Note that Mercedes codes are sometimes 5 digits long — make sure you enter all digits when unlocking.

How to Enter the Mercedes A-Class Radio Code

Turn ignition to position I or II (do not start the engine).
Power on the radio. The code prompt appears.
Physical button units (W168/W169 Audio 5/10/20): Use preset buttons 1 through 4 to cycle each digit position to the correct number. Confirm with the OK or menu button, or by pressing preset 5 on older units.
COMAND controller (W176/W177): Use the COMAND rotary controller to enter digits on screen, then confirm by pressing the controller inward.
Touchscreen (later W176/W177): Tap digits on the keypad displayed, then confirm with OK.
The radio unlocks and resumes normal operation.

A-Class Generations and Radio Systems

Generation	Years	Chassis	Head Unit	Serial Prefix
A-Class I	1997–2004	W168	Audio 5 / Audio 10 CD	BE / —
A-Class II	2004–2012	W169	Audio 20 / NTG 1 / NTG4.0	BE / —
A-Class III	2012–2018	W176	Audio 20 / NTG4.5 / COMAND	BE / —
A-Class IV	2018–2025	W177	COMAND NTG5 / MBUX	VIN-bound / BE

Troubleshooting Error Messages

Code prompt / number display — Normal; enter your code.
Wrong code / attempt counter — Incorrect entry. Mercedes units typically allow a limited number of attempts before imposing a wait.
WAIT — Temporary lockout; leave ignition on for one hour.
Permanently locked / dealer required — Maximum attempts exceeded or VIN-binding active. A Mercedes dealer with XENTRY access can unlock or re-pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mercedes A-Class radio code 4 or 5 digits?

It depends on the generation. Older A-Class units — particularly the Audio 5 and Audio 10 CD in the W168 — use a 5-digit code. Newer Audio 20 and NTG-series units typically use a 4-digit code. When you retrieve your code online, the correct length for your specific serial is provided automatically.

My W176 A-Class shows a code request — is it VIN-bound?

The W176 (2012–2018) can be fitted with either standard code-based Audio 20/NTG4.5 units or with COMAND NTG4.5. Both are generally code-retrievable via serial number. True VIN-binding (Komponentenschutz) became more prevalent in the W177 generation (2018 onwards). If your W176 unit is showing a code prompt rather than a component protection warning, a standard code lookup will resolve it.

Where is the BE serial on a W169 Mercedes A-Class?

On the W169 (2004–2012), the BE serial is printed on the barcode label on the top or side of the head unit. It may also be accessible by pressing and holding preset buttons 1 and 4 on Audio 20 units, which scrolls the serial across the display. The full serial, including the BE prefix, is needed for code retrieval.

Can I use radiocodelookup.com for the W177 A-Class (2018+)?

For W177 models still using code-based head units (where the radio displays a numeric code prompt after power loss), yes. If the unit uses MBUX and simply re-pairs to the vehicle VIN automatically, no code is needed. If you are unsure, note what appears on screen after power restoration — a numeric prompt means a code is required and can be retrieved.

Unlock your Mercedes A-Class radio today. Submit your serial number on our Mercedes code page and receive your code by email within minutes.