Dropped screwdriver in engine bay

Bigsean714 · 02-27-2019, 08:22 PM

Hello! I need some advice. I was installing some intakes i just bought and I dropped a small T-25 screwdriver down in the engine bay and looks like it's under the engine. I can't seem to find It with my eye anywhere. Should I jack the car up and pop the large pan under the car and hope it's in there? I need some advice ASAP so I can drive my car safely. I'm hoping to get the screwdriver out tonight. Any advice will be appreciated!

jpy1980 · 02-27-2019, 08:26 PM

I dropped a socket before and I had to just take out some of under body panels to find it. Try jacking up the car and then tapping around the under panels to see if you can spot where it is.

georgere · 02-27-2019, 08:30 PM

Easy, jack the car remove the engine/pan cover and it will be there. Another option is to use something snake like and then magnetic/claw tool they sell for this purpose but I guess you don't have those.

///M/// · 02-27-2019, 08:31 PM

Stick a magnet (extendable) in the area and sometimes it will catch it if it gets close enough. I have had mixed luck with it when I have dropped nuts, bolts or washers in there.

rak299 · 02-27-2019, 08:57 PM

I get under the car and tap the under-engine panels with a rubber mallet. Often, You can figure out where the tool is.

Bigsean714 · 02-27-2019, 08:59 PM

Thanks everyone, I found It under the silver metal pan. Appreciate the responses!

02-27-2019, 08:22 PM	#1
Bigsean714 Second Lieutenant 53 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 bmw m3 [0.00]	Dropped screwdriver in engine bay Hello! I need some advice. I was installing some intakes i just bought and I dropped a small T-25 screwdriver down in the engine bay and looks like it's under the engine. I can't seem to find It with my eye anywhere. Should I jack the car up and pop the large pan under the car and hope it's in there? I need some advice ASAP so I can drive my car safely. I'm hoping to get the screwdriver out tonight. Any advice will be appreciated!
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02-27-2019, 08:26 PM	#2
jpy1980 Lieutenant Colonel 1582 Rep 1,976 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 -Smurfy Blue Vinyl Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	I dropped a socket before and I had to just take out some of under body panels to find it. Try jacking up the car and then tapping around the under panels to see if you can spot where it is.
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02-27-2019, 08:30 PM	#3
georgere Lieutenant Colonel 586 Rep 1,935 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 BSM Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stamford CT iTrader: (1)	Easy, jack the car remove the engine/pan cover and it will be there. Another option is to use something snake like and then magnetic/claw tool they sell for this purpose but I guess you don't have those. __________________ My 1st love was 2006 BMW 325i Sport + Prem 6MT but I married the 2016 M3 BSM MDCT.
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02-27-2019, 08:31 PM	#4
///M/// Brigadier General 1862 Rep 3,661 Posts Drives: 2016 Manual AW F80 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Philly iTrader: (6)	Stick a magnet (extendable) in the area and sometimes it will catch it if it gets close enough. I have had mixed luck with it when I have dropped nuts, bolts or washers in there. __________________ ========================= 2016 F80 M3 AW/SO (Manual) - Picked up at the Welt 08/28/15 My Amazing European Delivery Story
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02-27-2019, 08:57 PM	#5
rak299 Major 601 Rep 1,048 Posts Drives: 2021 M3 6MT Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: san francisco iTrader: (0)	I get under the car and tap the under-engine panels with a rubber mallet. Often, You can figure out where the tool is.
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02-27-2019, 08:59 PM	#6
Bigsean714 Second Lieutenant 53 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 535i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 bmw m3 [0.00]	Thanks everyone, I found It under the silver metal pan. Appreciate the responses!
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