Scrapping Airbag Vehicles

Instructions for Scrapping BMW Vehicles With Gas Generators (airbag System)

The gas generator is a pyrotechnic component of the airbag, seat belt tensioner, seat belt lock tensioner, safety battery terminal and ITS head airbag.
3 Series: E30, E36, E46
5 Series: E28, E34, E39
6 Series: E24
7 Series: E23, E32, E38
8 Series: E31

Unignited gas generators present a danger (also for the environment)!

To satisfy accident prevention regulations, gas generators must be rendered unserviceable before being scrapped. This is necessary because pyrotechnical objects, if incorrectly activated (e.g. scrapping with burner) can cause injury.

On vehicles listed above and intended for scrapping, always ensure prior to draining all fluids and before further dismantling work that all gas generators are ignited in the vehicle. The ignited gas generators can be scrapped together with the vehicle.

Ignition failure
If proper ignition is not possible, the corresponding components must be removed under observance of the safety regulations for handling components of the airbag system and disposed of by a special disposal company!

If an ignition has malfunctioned, disconnect the igniter from the battery and wait several minutes before approaching the vehicle!

Components of an airbag system must always be disposed of and may not be marketed as used parts.

Ignition
Ignition may only be carried out by specially trained personnel and under the supervision of a responsible person. Also observe the otherwise usual accident prevention regulations (protective goggles, hearing protection etc.).

Gas generators must be ignited in the vehicle to be scrapped from outside with the doors closed, however with the trunk lid, side windows and sunroof open. To this purpose, the ignition device developed by BMW and the corresponding cables must be used.

Caution!
- After igniting gas generators, a ventilation time of 10 minutes with the doors open must be adhered to before working in the vehicle!
- Wear protective goggles and protective gloves when handling an ignited gas generator!
- The burning of solid fuel will heat up airbag unit - danger of burning hands!
- Wash skin with water after contact with ignited gas generators!