Safety Regulations

Non-conformance with warnings and repair instructions may result in accidental deployment and injuries!
This is particularly true for components with gas generators (airbag module, lock/seat belt tensioner and ITS head airbag).

The gas generators are pyrotechnic objects of the danger class T1. The handling, transport and storage of unignited gas generators is subject to the german "Explosive Materials Act" (Explosive materials law of 13/09/1976).

The initial handling of pyrotechnic objects must be reported to the responsible factory inspectorate at least 2 weeks beforehand.

When doing so the name of the person responsible, e.g. plant owner, holder of a general commercial power of attorney or possibly the workshop foreman, must be indicated to the responsible authorities in writing. A certificate of qualification, i.e. special training, is not required for the person responsible.

The specifications listed refer to the Federal Republic of Germany. In all other countries the respectively applicable laws and specifications must be observed. Any country-specific specifications or court decisions based on these which go beyond this information must also always be observed or placed before these specifications.

1. Installation
1.1 Airbag plug connections can be identified by their orange color code.
1.2 Tests and installation/removal may only be performed by personnel with qualified training in BMW Service.
1.3 Work on components of the airbag system must always be carried out with the battery disconnected, the negative pole or terminal covered and the plug connector of the wire leading to the gas generator disconnected. If only the battery is disconnected, the specified waiting time must always be observed:
- 30 minutes for vehicles up to 9/93
- 5 seconds for vehicles from 9/93
1.4 If work is interrupted, any removed components with a gas generator must be protected against access by third parties.
1.5 Individual components must not be repaired. Instead, always replace them.
1.6 Never treat components of the airbag system with cleaning agents or grease.
1.7 Do not expose components of the airbag system to temperatures above 75°C
1.8 Components of the airbag system, including diagnosis electronics, which have been dropped from a height of more than 0.5 m must not be installed in a vehicle.
1.9 Components of the airbag system are only to be checked electrically when installed, and only with the BMW Service Tester/DIS.
1.10 The airbag module must always be stored with the cushion facing upwards because, if the alternator ignites with the airbag facing downwards, the alternator would be propelled upwards. Danger of injury!
1.11 Never point the ignition squib on a gas generator at another person under any circumstances.
1.12 Gas generators may not be ignited while installed, but instead must be disposed of by special disposal companies or sent to BMW in the packaging of the new part.

Procedures for repair work and action after accidents:
- During straightening work and welding work with an electric arc welder, always disconnect the battery, cover the negative terminal and disconnect the plug connection on the gas generators to ensure that the power supply to the gas generator is interrupted.

2. Transportation
2.1 Components with gas generators must always be shipped in the packaging of the new parts.

3. Storage
3.1 Storing in work rooms
3.1.1 Maximum permissible quantity: 20 kg gross, i.e. a maximum of 20 components with gas generators.
3.1.2 The parts should be stored in a lockable cabinet.
3.1.3 Highly flammable and burnable materials must not be stored in the direct vicinity.
3.1.4 The gas generators must be protected from high temperatures.
3.1.5 Sufficient fire extinguishers (at least 6 kg ABC powder) must be present.
3.1.6 After being removed from the packaging, the airbag module may only be laid down with the padding facing upward.

3.2 Storage in store rooms
3.2.1 Maximum storage: 200 kg gross, i.e. a maximum of 200 components with gas generators.
3.2.2 The store room must be easy to reach, sufficiently lighted and lockable.
3.2.3 The walls and ceilings of the room should be fire-retardant, or at least hardly inflammable.
3.2.4 The gas generators must be protected from high temperatures.
3.2.5 Open flame, open lighting and smoking is prohibited.
3.2.6 Sufficient fire extinguishers (at least 6 kg ABC powder) must be present.