Safety Regulations For Components of the Airbag System

Non-Conformance With Warnings And Repair Instructions May Result In Accidental Deployment And Injuries!

This is applicable in particular to components with gas generators:
- Airbag module
- Seat belt tensioner
- ITS head airbag
- Safety battery terminal

The gas generators are pyrotechnic objects of the danger class T 1. 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 appropriate trade supervisory authority must be informed at least 2 weeks in advance before any pyrotechnic objects are handled for the first time.

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. Evidence of formal qualifications, i.e. specialist training, is not required for the person responsible, refer also to Service Information 65 05 89 (069).

The specifications listed refer to the Federal Republic of Germany. In all other countries, the relevant legislation and regulations must be observed in each case. Country-specific legal regulations that go beyond this information or court decisions based thereon must be followed in each case or given precedence over these regulations.

1. Disassembly and assembly
- Inspection, testing and installation work may only be carried out by properly qualified personnel at BMW Service.
- 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 the battery is only disconnected, it is absolutely essential to adhere to the prescribed waiting period:
30 minutes for vehicles up to 9/93:
5 seconds for vehicles from 9/93
- If work is interrupted, any removed components with a gas generator must be protected against access by third parties.
- Individual components must never be repaired. Instead, always replace them. Never treat components of the airbag system with cleaning agents or grease.
- Do not expose components of the airbag system to temperatures above 75 °C.
- 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.
- Prior to installation, inspect components of airbag system and also diagnosis electronics for damage and replace if necessary.
- Components of the airbag system are only to be checked electrically when installed, and only with the BMW Service Tester / DIS.
- 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!
- Never point the ignition squib on a gas generator at another person under any circumstances
- Components with gas generators must not be fired when removed but must rather be disposed of by special disposal companies or sent to BMW in the packaging of the new components.
- 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.
- When removing a fired airbag module, avoid contact with the skin at all costs - wear gloves. In the event of skin contact - wash with water.
2. Transportation
- Components with gas generators must be sent off in the packaging of the new components.
3. Storage
- Observe the regulations of the relevant trade supervisory authority and the applicable national regulations.