Instructions For Scrapping Airbag Vehicles
The gas generator is a pyrotechnic component of:
Airbag
Belt tensioner
Belt buckle tensioner
Safety battery terminal
ITS head airbag
3 Series: E30, E36, Z3, 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)!
Gas generators must be rendered unusable before they are scrapped in accordance with accident prevention regulations and specific national regulations. This is necessary because pyrotechnical objects can cause injury if improperly activated (e.g. scrapping with flame cutter).
If one of the above vehicles is intended for scrapping, it is essential before draining and before further disassembly work to ensure always that all gas generators in the vehicle are ignited: 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 while observing the safety regulations for handling components of the airbag system and disposed of by special disposal companies!
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. Components of an airbag system must not be marketed further 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 from outside the vehicle to be scrapped with the doors closed, however with the trunk lid, side windows and sunroof open. Use the ignition device developed by BMW with the corresponding cables.
CAUTION!
After igniting gas generators, observe a ventilation period of 10 minutes with the doors open before working inside 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 burns!
Wash skin with water after contact with ignited gas generators!
1. Driver's airbag up to model year 94
1.1 Remove the lower section of the steering column paneling and separate the plug connection (orange) from the airbag unit.
1.2 Connect the ignition device 62 1 270 to the connector; if necessary, in conjunction with cable 62 1 280 or 62 1 233.
1.3 Connect igniter to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
1.4 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
1.5 Press switch on igniter - airbag ignites.
2. Driver airbag with indicator lamp integrated in steering wheel
2.1 Remove the airbag unit from the steering wheel. Observe safety regulations for handling component of the airbag system!
2.2 Pull connector off airbag unit. Cut off wire with connector pulled off at point of exit from steering wheel (cable length remaining on connector approx. 20 cm) and strip both wire ends. Push connector onto airbag unit again.
2.3 Re-install airbag unit, whereby both wire ends must lie outside the steering wheel. Caution! An airbag unit that is not fastened in accordance with regulations can lead to injury when ignited.
2.4 Connect cable 62 1 320 to cable ends and igniter 62 1 270.
2.5 Connect igniter to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
2.6 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
2.7 Press switch on igniter - airbag ignites.
3. Seat belt tensioner E32, E34 up to Model Year 93
3.1 Insert the belt tongue into the seat belt lock. If this is no longer possible, the insert tab must be pushed into the B column up to the outlet.
3.2 Mark the webbing with a chalk mark at the outlet of the B-pillar so that the belt tension can be checked after the ignition has taken place.
3.3 Disconnect the plug connection to the belt tensioner at the airbag control unit. Installation location of the airbag control device: left side under the instrument paneling.
3.4 Connect the igniter 62 1 270 to the connector using cable 62 1 280.
3.5 Connect igniter to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
3.6 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
3.7 Press the switch of the igniter - belt tensioner ignites.
4. Passenger airbag E32
4.1 Disconnect both plug connections to the passenger airbag at the airbag control unit. Installation location of the airbag control device: left side under the instrument paneling
4.2 Connect the igniter 62 1 270 to the connector using the cable 62 1 280.
4.3 Connect igniter to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
4.4 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
4.5 Press switch on igniter - first airbag ignites.
4.6 Connect the igniter to the second connector.
4.7 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
4.8 Press switch on igniter - second airbag ignites.
5. Vehicles as of model year 94 (all airbags, seat belt lock tensioner, safety battery terminal)
5.1 Remove connector from airbag control unit.
Installation location of the airbag control device:
E36, E34 under rear seat
E31, E38, E39, Z3, E46 under storage shelf.
5.2 Connect firing device 62 1 270 in combination with cable 62 1 210 to 30-pin plug or with cable 62 1 310 or 62 1 330 (according to plug coding) to 50-pin plug.
5.3 Connect igniter to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
5.4 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
5.5 Press igniter switch - gas generators ignite.
5.6 If cable 62 1 310 / 330 (50-pin plug) is used, only the gas generators on one side of the vehicle (e.g. left side only) ignite.
5.7 Disconnect igniter from battery.
5.8 Connect igniter to free connector.
5.9 Observe distance to car according to ignition cable length - location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
5.10 Connect igniter to the battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
5.11 Press igniter switch - gas generators on the other side of the vehicle ignite.