Zitat1) Steve - when you write "I suppose if you remove the bowden, the part in the shifter would remain in the locking position." - i'm not sure what the logical conclusion you make here . Does this mean the bowden cable MUST stay in place, no matter what?
I have not yet disassembled a shifter so I'm just trying to "imagin" how this locking can be done.
As a car sits most of the time unused I would create a mechanical solution that locks the shifter in P without stressing any of it's part.
So some sort of a pin is pushed in to a hole by a spring. As long as the car sits unused, the locking parts would have no tension.
When you turn the key, the cable pulls this pin out against the spring. (So there is some tension here).
As I say, I never disassembled such a system and so I'm only guessing.
If you would remove the cable, you would have to also remove the locking parts (in my simple example, the pin and the spring) and permanently disable the locking mechanism. I don't know if this can easily be done.
3)
I think Reinhard is referring to the fact that you also have to press the break pedal to move the shifter out of P. So there is a solenoid as well as a mechanical cable responsible of the locking. (They could have used the ignition key - which is just a switch at the end - to also disengage the lock. The physical connection via cable is probably added security).
4)
The lower steering column cover covers the other end of the cable, so if you wan't to investigate on this end, it has to be removed.
5)
Removing only the shifter cover will give you access to the shifter. Removing the complete middle console will give you a more comfortable access to the shifter and also to a large portion of the cable.
I think for quick assessment it is enough to remove the shifter cover only.
Removing the whole console is also not a big deal. If I remember correctly Number 6 on that list will only work if you carefully pry out (with a plastic or wooden stick) the long covers housing the switches (ASC, seat heating, etc). Then you can disconnect the switches.
I have an M62 (5HP24) with a different shifter shape (like a mirrored L). I never remove the boot itself as the boot and shifter knob fits trough the hole easily.
I'm not sure that it works also with the M60 (5HP30) but you could give it a try.
I also don't have a mechanical gear indicator so I can't tell you exactly about the little pin but I'm quite sure that you have to disconnect this pin if you want to remove the cover.
Cheers,
Steve
Edit: no one can beat lightning Reinhard... 
That would be great!
