Mercedes E-Class Radio Code — Unlock It Online

A locked Mercedes E-Class radio is a common annoyance after a battery change, and it affects every generation from the W210 (1995–2002) through to the W213 (2016–2023). Mercedes-Benz fits its audio units — branded as Audio 5, Audio 10 CD, Audio 20, Audio 50, NTG 1, NTG 2, NTG 4, and COMAND NTG5 — with an anti-theft code supplied by Becker and Harman. The unlock code is a five-digit sequence on older units or a four-digit sequence on newer COMAND systems. This guide covers the full process for every E-Class generation.

Why Does the Mercedes E-Class Radio Lock?

Mercedes audio units enter a locked state whenever the battery voltage is interrupted. The lock prevents the unit from operating without the owner's correct code, deterring theft. Triggers include:

• Battery replacement (even a momentary disconnection)
• Flat or deeply discharged battery
• Replacement of the audio circuit fuse
• Workshop work requiring battery isolation

Finding Your Mercedes E-Class Radio Serial Number

Mercedes serial numbers use the BE prefix format on Becker-era units, followed by numerals. COMAND NTG systems have a longer alphanumeric identifier.

Button method (works on most units)

1. Switch the ignition to position II (electrics on, engine off).
2. Turn the audio unit on.
3. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for about five seconds (or button combinations marked on the unit — some W210/W211 units use 1 + RDS).
4. The serial number appears briefly. Note all characters including the BE or alphanumeric prefix.

COMAND NTG menu method (W212/W213)

1. Press the COMAND or MENU controller button.
2. Navigate to System > System Settings > Version Information.
3. The unit's serial number is listed here.

Label on the unit

If menu and button methods do not work, remove the head unit and read the serial from the sticker on the casing. Becker-supplied units have the BE serial prominently on the side label.

Once you have the serial, use our Mercedes E-Class radio code lookup to get your code instantly.

How to Enter the Code in a Mercedes E-Class

Audio 5 / Audio 10 / Audio 20 (W210, W211, W212 early)

1. Switch the ignition on. The radio shows a code-entry prompt.
2. Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3, 4 to enter each digit, pressing each button repeatedly to scroll to the correct number.
3. Press OK or the seek button to confirm. The radio unlocks.

COMAND NTG 4 / NTG 4.5 / NTG 5 (W212 facelift, W213)

1. With the ignition on and the COMAND screen showing a code prompt, use the COMAND controller (rotary dial + pushbutton) to navigate the on-screen keypad.
2. Rotate to select each digit, press to confirm, then select OK.
3. The system unlocks and returns to the normal operating screen.

E-Class Generations and Audio Units

Generation	Internal Code	Years	Audio Systems	OEM Manufacturer	Serial Prefix
E-Class III	W210	1995–2002	Audio 5, Audio 10 CD, APS navigation	Becker	BE
E-Class IV	W211	2002–2009	Audio 5 / NTG 1, Audio 50 / NTG 2	Becker / Harman	BE
E-Class V	W212	2009–2016	Audio 20 / NTG 4, Audio 20 / NTG 4.5	Becker / Harman	BE
E-Class VI	W213	2016–2023	Audio 20 / COMAND NTG5, MBUX (later)	Harman	Alphanumeric

W213 note: Later W213 models (2019 onwards) fitted with the MBUX infotainment system are vehicle-bound and do not use a conventional PIN code. The system re-pairs automatically after a power interruption. If your W213 shows a code prompt, it is running an NTG5-era unit, and a standard code applies.

Troubleshooting Mercedes E-Class Radio Issues

• Code prompt shown — Normal. Enter the correct code as described above.
• ERR / incorrect code — The unit rejects the entry and shows ERR. Wait for the prompt to reset before trying again.
• WAIT — Timed lockout after multiple wrong attempts. Leave the ignition on for 60 minutes.
• LOCKED — Extended lockout. Same remedy as WAIT; if the lock persists after an hour, contact a Mercedes specialist.
• COMAND screen shows no code prompt — Some NTG5/MBUX systems reconnect automatically. If the screen is functional but silent, check that the audio source is selected and volume is up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the serial number format for a Mercedes E-Class radio?

Older Becker-supplied units (W210, W211, W212) use a serial beginning with BE. NTG4/NTG5 units use a longer alphanumeric string. The full serial — including any letters — is required to retrieve your code.

Does a 5-digit or 4-digit code apply to the E-Class?

Audio 5, Audio 10 CD, and some early NTG1 units may use a five-digit code. Audio 20, COMAND NTG4, and NTG5 units use a four-digit code. Enter the exact number of digits your unit requests.

Where is the serial number on a Mercedes E-Class COMAND unit?

Navigate to System > System Settings > Version Information via the COMAND controller. The serial is also on a sticker on the unit's casing after removal.

Is the W213 E-Class radio code free from Mercedes dealers?

Mercedes dealers may provide the code free of charge to the registered keeper, but this often involves a visit and identity verification. Our online service delivers the code instantly using just the serial number.

Does the new MBUX system need a radio code?

No. W213 models with MBUX (from 2019/2020 onwards) do not use a PIN-code security system. If your W213 shows a code prompt, it has an NTG5-era unit which does require a code. Look up your code here.