Gas generators that have not fired constitute a hazard (also to the environment)!
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 BMW 328xi, 2011 BMW 328xi, 2010 BMW 328xi, and 2009 BMW 328xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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).
For vehicles mentioned above that are scheduled for scrapping, it is always essential prior to draining and further disassembly 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.