Sorry I do not have a picture of my '05 MCS yet, I am new to MC, but not new to owning BMW's, which not sorprisingly cooling system was defective/weak as well.
I need help, I know I have a coolant leak, but it appears that only leaks at night when car cools off, I drive to work and other places, park, return, check under car and no leak next morning before turning car I can see a decent amount of coolant on driver side. I do not know where it is the water pump/thermostat is yet, although I have been reading this is a weak spot for MC's. I do my own maintenance on my cars to the extend of my abilities, so I am mechanically inclined. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

As soon as I can/learn will post some pics

 

From your description it sounds like it's a thermostat leaking which is very common.
http://waymotorworks.com/thermostat-...t-r50-r53.html

It's really just the gasket that leaks, but you can't buy only the gasket.

 

Thanks Way (AKA Mini GodFather ) after reading and reading, I suspected that was the criminal. Dumb question: should I replace the water pump as well? or just the thermostat and thermo housing? You've gained a loyal future soon client . Thank you.

 

I forgot to mentioned, I just bought the car a few weeks ago from a trusted 1st owner friend (that took car to certified mini garage for maintenance, 60,000 maintenance was performed only 8,000 miles away) Thermostat was replaced 3 years ago!!! but no record of water pump. Funds are low, should the thermostat be replace only and gamble on the other parts?