Hi chaps - wellllllll
Apparently it is the classic coolant transfer pipe front seal (N62 V8 Engine infamous 'Valley Leak') causing water/anti-freeze to spring from the 'weep hole' adj to the water pump on the front timing cover.... ££££arrrrrghhhhh££££

I am in UK but have spoken to Jeff Reed in person at Bimmer-Fix regarding his 'Stent' product.
https://bimmerfix.com/
In fact I called there (probably a little early as I did not realise he was 7 hrs behind in Tuscon)... he then called me back personally having seen the missed call - it really does not get much better than that does it?

OK not cheap fix considering carriage to UK (& probably a bunch of import & VAT) but better than the 'collapsible (telescopic) pipe' replacement + gasket set & labour to include removal of inlet manifold.... or worse still, BMW main dealer wanting to remove timing cover too to replace pipe with original @ over £100 per hour labour! (modern day highwaymen)

Back on the leak... although could not spot it at first it is now losing a shed-load of coolant - am very pleased that it got worse & showed it's hand - LOL (well not really a 'LOL moment'... but could have been worse - like a head gasket or other) !

So the part is winging its way to me via DHL even as we speak & I will fit it (or hav it fitted) Thurs 15th Feb (2018)
Will let you know how I get on - thanks for advice on here as per usual - invaluable eh!

Laters
malc