I got some air freshner things that like slide on the vents. Being the genius I am I tried to put one on while driving. I hit a bump and missed the part of the vent I was trying to slide it on. Then I dropped the air freshner and slid right past the vent. I could see it sitting behind the vent. As I was on my way to work I couldn't stop. So by the time I got there it had slid out of sight.

I am hoping if I can remove the silver ring on the vent I can then remove the vent and fish it out. Any help? Can this be done without breaking the silver ring? If I can't get it will it hurt anything?

Yes I know I am stupid.

Thanks in advance.

 

A coat hanger with some well attached duct tape with the sticky side out might do the retrieval trick.

 

No you cannot remove the silver surrounds. You can however remove the whole pastic cover where the rings are attached. That piece is not part of the actual vents, it just covers them up.

Then you will need to remove the actual vents so get clear access to the tubing.

Have a look here:
http://www.bmwetk.info/teile-katalog...645/51/51_6134

And here:
http://www.bmwetk.info/teile-katalog...645/64/64_1563

 

By the way, did you try putting the fan on the highest speed?

 

I was afraid that I woul;d have to tear the dash apart.

 

Don't be so hard on yourself - - I've done MUCH stupider things than that!

I would try all the heater and A/C controls/settings and the fan, just to see if it's causing any obstruction or blocking anything down in there. If all seems well - you can take your time getting it out (or just leave it in).

Try removing your cabin air filter (under the glove box) and reaching up in there, you might be able to get at it from there (if you're lucky).

Look at it this way - it's a nice project for a sunny day when you have nothing else to do.

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