Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
65 77... Notes On Scrapping BMW Vehicles With Gas Generators (Vehicles With Safety Information Module, Airbag System)
The gas generator is a pyrotechnic component of:
- Airbag module
- Driver's/passenger airbag
- Side airbags
- Head airbag
- Knee airbag
- Belt tensioner
- Belt buckle tensioner
- Safety battery terminal
7 Series: E65, E66, E67
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 cause injury if improperly activated (e.g. scrapping with flame cutters).
With above-mentioned vehicles which are scheduled for scrapping, it is always essential prior to draining and further stripping work to ensure that all the gas generators in the vehicle are fired. The fired gas generators can then be scrapped together with the vehicle.
Firing failure
If correct firing is not possible, the relevant components must (while observing the safety regulations for handling airbag system components) be removed and disposed of by special disposal companies!
If a firing operation has failed:
- Disconnect the firing device from the battery
- Only approach the vehicle after a few minutes have elapsed
The components of an airbag system must always be disposed of. Such components must not be sold on as used parts.
Firing
Firing of the gas generators may only be carried out by expert personnel and under the supervision of a responsible person. Other standard accident prevention regulations (safety goggles, ear defenders etc.) must also be observed.
The gas generators must be fired from the outside in the vehicle scheduled for scrapping with the doors closed but with the tailgate, door windows and sunroof open. To fire the gas generators, use the BMW-developed firing device with the corresponding cables.
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 burning hands! Wash skin with water after contact with fired gas generators!
- Vehicles with safety information module (all airbags, seat belt tensioners, safety battery terminal) NOTE: It is not possible to fire all the airbag units via the safety information module.
- 1.0 Expose sensors of all airbag units. See 65 77... OVERVIEW OF SENSORS FOR AIRBAG SYSTEM (ISIS) .
- 1.1 Connect "Airbagmaster" and adapter cable for "ISIS" vehicles. For subsequent procedure, refer to SEDA operating instructions.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.