Garage Cabinets, Garage Storage, and Garage Organization

I'm actually checking into this for a friend who has a 1997 3-series.
Recently his battery went dead and upon installing the new one he discovered that the security code for the radio needed to be entered.
I have never experienced this with a BMW, but did repeatedly with an Audi I used to own.  The local Audi dealer was able to give me the code based on my VIN.  
My friend said that they need the serial# from the radio itself which can only be found if the radio is out and due to the security bit he can not get it out.

So 2 questions.  Is it possible to get the code from the VIN?  I think he said he tried and you need the number off of the radio (how ironic is it that if you steal the radio and it is out of the car that you can apparently get the code, but if your battery goes dead you have to jump through hoops?)  This information could be incorrect.
or is there a name and size for the bit?  A quick search revealed that they go for about $20 online.

I will pass along any helpful info anyone can provide