There is no code by VIN option. Dealers often swapped radios from car-to-car, especially in the days when changers weren't compatible cross-brand with head units. Or for warranty repairs. I don't understand where that rumor ever came from. It's not true. Is this a BMW radio? What year/model? Some have a plate with the code stamped into it and it might be hard to see. Pictures might help. I've never seen one without a serial number of some kind. Used radios are so cheap that's probably your best bet if there's really no number (hard to believe).