Okay, I think I got this figured out. The temperature sensors were retrofitted. I suspect what you are look at is the old sensor. Take a look through this and let me know if it makes sense.
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[NEW] PROCEDURE TWO
Remove the fresh air intake tube and the charge air intake tube from the air box to the turbo to gain access to the engine harness at the thermostat.
Pic 1
The improved sensor (P/N 13 62 8 603 908) includes the temperature probe (1) and insulating sleeve (2), a two-pin female connector (3) for the map thermostat, and a four-pin connector (4) for the engine harness.
Pic 2
Relieve the coolant pressure by removing the reservoir cap, and then re-tighten.
Pic 3
Remove the bleeder screw (1) from the thermostat. This screw will not be reused.
Pic 4
The back of the temperature sensor is slotted to accept a bladed screwdriver (1). Install the sensor into the bleeder screw hole, and torque to 2Nm.
Pic 5
Slide insulating sleeve (1) onto the temperature sensor. The sleeve must completely cover the sensor.
Pic 6
Install the two-pin female connector (1) into the thermostat and the four-pin male connector (2) into the engine wiring harness.
Pic 7
Secure the connector (1) with a cable tie to the engine wiring harness.
Pic 8
Secure the wiring from the temperature sensor (1) with a cable tie.
Reinstall the intake components and vent/refill the cooling system (Repair Instruction 17 00 039).
Note:
This repair procedure involves draining a small quantity of coolant; refill the drained quantity with new MINI Long-term Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mixture). Do not reuse the drained coolant.
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Let me know if that is what was done. I believe you are looking at the old sensor that is unplugged.
Joe
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Saturday, March 28th, 2020 AT 7:03 PM