I shouldn't think so.Originally Posted by Boomer4ES
IIRC the airbag is set off with a small explosive charge, and then filled with compressed nitrogen, very quickly.
I would guess that the burns are caused by friction from the bag, or, a slim-possibility, from the heat of the expanding gas.
Why not ask at a BMW dealer? They should know how they are activated - i.e. g-forces, pressure sensors, and what speed etc they should deploy.
It could be that the tow bar went through the bumper and hit something fairly hard, but the overall impact was softened by the bumper hitting the back of the van, so the brain of the car was tricked into thinking the impact was more violent than it was.
It could also be because seat belts aren't a legal requirement for drivers in the USA, the airbag has to act as a Primary Restraint, so even at low speed impacts they may be set to deploy to keep stupid, seat belt-less people from headbutting the windscreen/ getting a steering wheel print embossed on their chest.