Throttle pedal really stiff? (320i)

[Altrezia]

Hey chaps,

Just a quick one - my throttle pedal on my E30 is really stiff - it's harder to push than the brake or clutch which seems a bit odd to me - however I've not driven an E30 in years, so perhaps I just forgot how hard they are?

In contrast my E39 M5 (FBW) was super easy to push and my other cars at the moment are all much easier too..

Any tips on making it easier, other than just manning-up?

Cheers
a

[darkchild]

I thought this when I originally purchased my E30. The accelerator pedal was a lot stiffer than my E36. A new cable made things better but its still not particularly light. Newer BMWs have drive by wire.

[Billwill]

The throttle cables have an inner metal cable with a plastic...probably Mylar...covering which then runs inside the outer flexable section.

This Mylar covering sometimes gets frayed at one or other end of the throttle cable assembly.

Best is to buy a new cable assembly and attach it to the end of the old assembly to aid in pulling the new cable assembly through. First you can spray some silicone spray inside the new assembly to help lubricate it.

[Altrezia]

Thanks - I'll fit a new cable and see if that helps.

[capri_rob]

Before you order a new one remove the existing cable ( the clip that goes into the firewall can be a bitch to remove - be careful you don't break it.

Once its out hang it vertically and feed oil down it until it comes out of the other end

Then work the cable forwards and backwards to work it through
Leave overnight, turn the cable the other way up and repeat

If the cable isnt damaged you should see a significant improvement

Be sure to route the cable properly when you refit.

Mine was awful when I first got it but did the above and its been fine ever since - that was nearly 3 years ago