Just found this post and figured I'd post some things I came across

BMW does make a repair kit for the + cable so you don't replace the entire thing...
I suspect this was the case and what the OP saw was such -- just not well done.


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The Tesa tape off by the compressor mounts - that is OEM, stock, normal...
Downstream on that electrical is not. It is continuous 1 piece cable.
I suspect the ~repair cable was utilized~


BTW, for those looking a the + WD in this post, I don't believe it's accurate. At least on prefacelift 6 and 8 cylinder models.