[AussieBob]

Dropped a 10mm socket bit in the engine bay and you guessed it, it has disappeared!

Had to buy one of these (the last remaining 3 actually) to soothe my head.




I just saw it disappear into the abyss between the engine inlet manifold and the left side of the engine bay. No noise was heard of a bounce, crash landing or rattling to a rest, just a complete Bermuda Triangle event.

Removed the under carriage cover but nothing, can hear nothing rattling or moving around when driving like a racer, it has just vanished like a screw dropped from an electronics workbench!

Any ideas of where to look based on anyone's experience? (and I checked the garage floor)

[nedmon]

Bob,
Best just get another socket. Maybe some day you will find the missing one.

[ezaircon4jc]

I don't know what the F10 looks like underneath, but I dropped a bolt once on my previous car and searched an hour or more before I found it. It was on a longitudinal crash brace that went from the "frame" to the front clip. You might try poking a magnetic probe around under the car and see it that finds it. Look for someplace a socket could wedge itself. A bright light helps.

For some reason I lose more 10mm's than any other socket! I have 3 or 4 at any one time. I also have an extra 8mm & 7mm... There was one 7mm bolt I had to remove to change the spark plugs on my last car (yeah, that's the theme because I haven't had to do anything on our BMW's yet) that was between the brake booster and the valve cover. There was only room for a wrench and at that I could only turn it a few degrees. I got a tip from someone who had been there, done that and tied a string around my wrist and the wrench. GREAT TIP as I dropped that wrench regularly and didn't have to go fishing under the car for it!

[wcr3d]

+1
Also one of those extendable mirrors.

[AussieBob]

I'm all sorted now, 10mm sockets covered.




I put the front end on jack stands this morning and completely removed the under-carriage covers, could not find a thing. Let's just say it dropped onto the road through the gap where the exhaust pipes leave the covers. At least I replaced some of the missing screws and captive nuts from the front bumper and front cover, so the endeavour was not a complete waste of effort

[lsturbointeg]

ooooo this would drive me freakin crazy! i would be under there until i can find it...but that's just me