So I did a few minor things to the mini today. The biggest one being replacing the valve cover gaket. So as I am tightening up the air diverter on top of the intercooler, my torx bit hung a little when I pulled back with the screwdriver, it tipped over and fell down in front of the engine. I heard it trickle down and land on plastic. Cursing a little under my breath, I went ahead and finished tightening the rest. As I finished the last one, it happened again! Argh!

So I now have two torx bits somewhere in front of the engine. I have not had time to pull all the plastic off on the bottom and I couldn't find it by feeling around with a magnetic probe. Think it's safe to drive as is? I couldn't hear anything rattling around when I backed it out and pulled it back in the garage.

Any tips for finding these other than taking everything off?

Thanx!

 

Try magnetic wand or vacuum with a panty hose.

 

It's probably resting on the plastic cover somewhere. Take your hand and smack it up a few times and see if you can hear the bits jump around. Usually I can smack it enough time where whatever I've dropped will bounce out the back.

 

Yeah, I tried that with no success.

What's the easiest way to see like from the side of the car down along that plastic piece. Would I need to remove the whole fender liner or do you think I can just peel it back enough to see?

 

It's only three 10mm bolts and 2 phillips screws to drop lower splash shield. With that down you'll find your torx bits.

Jeremy

 

I can't tell you how many times I drop something between the engine and radiator. Looked underneath with a mirror, tried a magnet, tried a claw tool, even loosened some of the plastic trim and/or tire wells. In many cases, what I dropped is gone for good. In some cases, I think the item fell inside the electric fan shroud and is wedged between it and the radiator itself. Beyond this, the only advice I can give is to drive in reverse really quick and hit the brakes to see if the bit comes loose and rolls out from underneath.

One thing I finally got around to buying is a magnetic screw tray. Used it for the first time the other day.

 

Welcome to the club, it will happen more times than you can count. Do ad Jhiggs says and you'll have them back in less than twenty. Oh and please don't trust the stock jack it's the biggest piece of ....