Notes on Scrapping BMW Vehicles With Gas Generators (Airbag Systems)

Instructions For Scrapping BMW Vehicles With Gas Generators (Airbag System)

The gas generator is a pyrotechnic component of:
Airbag
Belt tensioner
Belt buckle tensioner
Safety battery terminal
ITS head airbag


Gas generators that have not fired constitute a hazard (also to the environment)!
In accordance with accident prevention regulations and specific national regulations, gas generators must be rendered unusable before they are scrapped. This is necessary because pyrotechnical objects can result in injury if improperly activated (e.g. when being scrapped with a cutting burner).
In the above-mentioned vehicles that are destined for scrapping, you must always ensure that all the gas generators; in the vehicle have been fired before draining and subsequent disassembly operations. The fired gas generators can then be scrapped together with the vehicle.

Firing failure
If proper firing is not possible, the relevant components must be removed and disposed of by special waste-disposal companies in compliance with the safety regulations for handling components of the airbag system!
If firing has malfunctioned, disconnect the firing device from the battery and wait several minutes before approaching the vehicle!
Components of an airbag system must always be disposed of. Airbag-system components must never be sold on as used parts.

Firing
Firing 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 fired from outside the vehicle to be scrapped with the doors closed, however with the trunk lid, side windows and sunroof open. Use the firing device developed by BMW with the corresponding cables.

Caution!
Once gas generators have fired, you must observe a ventilation period of 10 minutes with the doors open before continuing work!
Wear protective goggles and protective gloves when handling a fired gas generator!
The burning of solid fuel will heat up the airbag unit-danger of burns!
Wash skin with water after contact with fired 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 firing device 62 1 270 to the connector; if necessary, in conjunction with cable 62 1 280 or 621 233.
1.3 Connect firing device to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
1.4 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
1.5 Press switch on firing device-airbag fires. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.

2. Driver's airbag with indicator lamp integrated in steering wheel
2.1 Remove the airbag unit from the steering wheel. Observe safety regulations for handling components 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 fired.
2.4 Connect cable 62 1 320 to cable ends and firing device 62 1 270.
2.5 Connect firing device to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
2.6 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
2.7 Press switch on firing device-airbag fires. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.

3. 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 13-pillar so that the belt tension can be checked after firing has taken place.
3.3 Disconnect the plug connection to the belt tensioner at the airbag control unit. Installation location of the airbag control unit: Left side under the instrument paneling.
3.4 Connect the firing device 62 1 270 to the connector using cable 62 1 280.
3.5 Connect firing device to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
3.6 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
3.7 Press the switch of the firing device-belt tensioner fires. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.

4. Passenger airbag E32
4.1 Detach both plug connections to passenger airbag on airbag control unit. Installation location of the airbag control unit: Left side under the instrument paneling.
4.2 Connect the firing device 62 1 270 to the connector using cable 62 1 280.
4.3 Connect firing device to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
4.4 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
4.5 Press switch on firing device-first airbag fires. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.
4.6 Connect the firing device to the second connector.
4.7 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
4.8 Press switch on firing device-second airbag fires. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.

5. Vehicles as of model year 94 (all airbags, belt buckle tensioner, safety battery terminal)
5.1 Remove connector from airbag control unit.
Installation location of the airbag control unit:
under center console.

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 firing device to a 12 V battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
5.4 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
5.5 Press firing device switch-gas generators fire.
5.6 If cable 62 1 310/330 (50-pin plug) was used, only the gas generators on one side of the vehicle have fired. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.
5.7 Disconnect firing device from battery.
5.8 Connect firing device to free connector.
5.9 Observe distance to car according to firing cable length-location always behind car (also relates to other persons).
5.10 Connect firing device to the battery (distance from vehicle: 10 m).
5.11 Press firing device switch-gas generators on the other side of the vehicle fire. If no firing takes place, refer to Firing failure.
WARNING: Airbag Inflater assemblies (gas generators) which have not been triggered pose a danger to persons and the environment.

In accordance with accident prevention regulations, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) gas generators must be rendered unusable prior to vehicle scrapping. This is necessary since gas generators are pyrotechnic objects and could cause injury if activated incorrectly (for example with a torch during scrapping). SRS gas generators must be ignited in the vehicles meant for scrapping from the outside and with the doors of the vehicle closed. The igniter, Special Tool 62 1 270, developed by BMW for this purpose must be used.


WARNING: The burning solid fuel causes the airbag unit to heat up - risk of burn injuries! Wash hands after touching ignited inflater assemblies.

1. Remove lower section of steering column casing and disconnect the SRS plug (orange).
2. Connect the ignition device 62 1 270 to plug connector leading to the airbag. Use cable 62 1 280 or 62 1 233 if necessary.
3. Connect the ignition device to a 12 V battery. Distance from car: 10 meters (approx. 32 ft.).

WARNING: Keep as far away from vehicle as the length of the igniting lead permits - always stand in front of the vehicle (this also concerns other persons).

4. Press the switch of the ignition device - airbag inflates.