1993 325is Accelerator pedal stopped working

[skyebaby22]

I have 1993 BMW 325is AT 170k. Driving home my accelerator pedal abruptly stopped working. No power, no gas, just depressed all the way to the floorboard woth no resistance. Luckily I was down the street from home and coasted in. Engine fires up, but gas pedal is all the way to the floor. I noticed Transmission light on on dash. Any help greatly appreciated!

[thenjnick]

Have you popped the hood and checked the accelerator cable running to the throttle body? Could have snapped the line, mine was stretched out only at 50k miles, but i've heard of them snapping before..as for the trans light i have no idea hopefully someone with a little more experience can help you out..good luck!


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[skyebaby22]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes, I checked the throttle and it revs the engine when I move it with my hand. Just nothing with the gas pedal.

[thenjnick]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Yes, I checked the throttle and it revs the engine when I move it with my hand. Just nothing with the gas pedal.

Just to confirm, when you press the pedal, does it pull the throttle at all? You should be able to see if you open the hood peek through the space between it and the windshield or just have someone press it while you look at it yourself.

Anyhow, it sounds to me like the accelerator cable snapped on you, or at the very least, stretched too much. I believe a new cable is only about $20. Its not that tough a job the only pain in the ass is gonna be routing it through the firewall.


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[skyebaby22]

I don't believe it does. I don't hear the engine do anything. I'll have to have somebody help me out and check for sure.

[Auto Parts Guy]

Above the gas pedal is a tiny rubber grommet that holds the accelerator pedal cable in. Over time they dry rot and the cable comes out. I've had this happen to 2 of the e36s I've owned. It's a PITA to replace, scary when it happens, and a shitty design but pretty sure that's your problem. Part number 35411152331 (#14 below)
































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[skyebaby22]

Ok, I'll order that piece and the cable too just in case. Thanks for your input!

- - - Updated - - -

Any instructions regarding the repair?

[thenjnick]

I would find the end of the cable where it has a bit if a hook shape and give it a pull to see if it is still attached before you order the parts. If it is then just throw a ziptie around the hook end and snake it thru the hole in the lever portion, thats what i did. Or you could replace the grommet, I cant imagine it being more than $5.


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[Auto Parts Guy]

I paid about $6 shipped from ebay for mine. The repair is straight forward, just kindof a PITA due to location. Remove the knee bolster so you can see what you're doing.

[skyebaby22]

Ok, sounds good. I'm expecting the part to be delivered on Tuesday. Thanks for the help.

[skyebaby22]

Done! Thanks again for the help. You guys are awesome!

[E36328Coupe]

Ideally you should look and see if this is the cause before ordering

[TITE3NBIGD]

Ok, sounds good. I'm expecting the part to be delivered on Tuesday. Thanks for the help.

while you are down there, look at part #10( there are 2, one on each side, and also #2) they are similar to #14 but larger and they also break and deteriorate. if the do, the pedal will have play in it.

[JDStrickland]

Open the hood.
Engine off.
Have a helper operate the throttle pedal while you observe the movement in the engine bay.

If there is movement, fix where the movement stops.
If there is no movement, fix the gas pedal.

- - - Updated - - -

In the parts diagram above, Items 7 & 8 are variations of the same thing. You have one or the other, not both.

[skyebaby22]

while you are down there, look at part #10( there are 2, one on each side, and also #2) they are similar to #14 but larger and they also break and deteriorate. if the do, the pedal will have play in it.

Thank you!

- - - Updated - - -

Open the hood.
Engine off.
Have a helper operate the throttle pedal while you observe the movement in the engine bay.

If there is movement, fix where the movement stops.
If there is no movement, fix the gas pedal.

- - - Updated - - -

In the parts diagram above, Items 7 & 8 are variations of the same thing. You have one or the other, not both.

Thank you! I replaced the grommet as suggested by Auto Parts Guy. There was a piece of a broken black grommet on the ground near the pedal. Worked like a charm.