Agreed Peter, not ideal and it seems this will go for everyone at some stage.
The part isn't in the parts diagram but can be seen here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news/19800/tn_MogChassisTest-L.JPGFor others, look at the box in the front wheel well with two hoses coming out beneath (and some gubbins above).
Does anyone know what the BMW part number is? I'm going to see if there's a stronger aftermarket part or some way of protecting the unit - I really don't want to be replacing this every five years!