Replace Throttle Cable on a BMW Z3 M52

The throttle cable on the BMW Z3 is not a complex part, but it is remarkably difficult to remove and replace. In this episode, I remove a number of interior panels and assorted bits to get to, cut up, hammer out, and remove the throttle cable.
Note that this may only apply to the 2.3 and 2.8 Z3 with the M52 engines, which were produced from 1996-2000. After the year 2000, the Z3 roadster came with the M54 engine, which uses an electric "drive by wire" throttle system, and so is very different.
Parts used:
Accelerator bowden cable 35411164512
Rubber grommet 35411152331

[@eugenepar15]

You deserve more views!

[@samsonevickis]

Hah, I had a mild panic attack when I was about 4min into the video, but glad to hear it went in so smoothly. I was worried I would need to remove the brake booster. Thanks for proving that isn't necessary!

[@budgiekiller2]

Thank you! This gave me everything I needed to plan this operation. I did my '97 Z3 cable in about an hour. I cut the wings off the square connector from inside with a sharpened pry bar and dead-blow hammer. Fished the new one in with a piece of 14ga house wire.

[@BryceGub]

Thumbs up for earthbound music

[@jet328i2]

I did this recently on my 25 year old E36. I went straight at it with a hammer and a screwdriver, basically trying to chisel off the locking tabs. I hate using a hammer for car repair-but as you know, it worked. HOWEVER, installing the new cable is TOO easy: I don’t know about the Z3, but on my 328i the hole thru the firewall is a perfect square. The throttle cable can be pushed through the hole in any one of four orientations, but only one is correct. Despite checking and rechecking, after I heard it click into place, I was horrified to realize I installed it 90 degrees rotated to the left (viewed from the engine bay). You can imagine the swearing afterwards! And-as you know-to “fix” it would require breaking it to remove it and installing ANOTHER new throttle cable. So far it’s worked fine-but I’m really pissed about my mistake.

[@derekkchung]

Direction / position of the black clip thru the firewall?
Your grommet size? Plastic? Or it just a random pc?