Good news mate, turns out you don't have to slice it after all.
They're the same, the dash clock goes through a single individual autonomous cable set that goes from behind the dashboard (3 pins) to the clock. The engine tii parts that differ, are really few, should be ok, without cutting anything.
Hope it helps, I'm attaching the electrical diagram layout of the car.
Take care,
Bruce
BMW 2002 Electric Diagram.pdf