I was doing the upper engine mount on my Clubman S All4 this weekend and while replacing the under body engine cover I noticed some wires that looked toasty. I'm pretty sure this is the starter motor. There are no symptoms and the car works and starts fine. Anything besides watch and monitor needed?

 

More dirt than toasty. Normal. Not overheating/etc.

Short version, the exposed metal of the electrical contacts & wires are supposed to be coated with grease (presumably to inhibit corrosion). The grease catches all the dirt flying under there whenever you drive. So you wind up with, uh, "greasy dirt cake."

I went through the same "what is up with this" when I got my F56 S. And then I cleaned it all up and re-greased it and am watching the newer cleaner grease pick up dirt and work its way back to more dirty-looking than not.

 

That makes total sense. Thanks for info.