HELP! I Need advice.
While changing the oil in my E36 last weekend I noticed the magnet from my magnetic drain plug was MISSING (not a trace of the magnet,just the hole).
Not to many places it could be:poured the drain oil through a screen-not there, fished around in the bottom of the oil pan with a wire-so far no results. Could it have dissintigrated?
Removing the oil pan on these cars is a bear, will this magnet if its still in there cause problems???

Thanks,
Jdiem

Probably not, its probably on the bottom of the pan somewhere. And yes removing the oilpan on a E36 is a b***h.

Get one of those magnetic telescoping screw grabbers, they're essentially a magnetic on the end of a telescoping rod and are real cheap at all autoparts stores. If you're lucky, it'll be REALLY attracted to the magnet and grab it right up. If they repel each other, then I guess you'll be dropping the oil pan.

It's most likely to be stuck to the pickup of the oil pump, where it will ride harmlessly for the life of the car.

It's most likely to be stuck to the pickup of the oil pump, where it will ride harmlessly for the life of the car.

UNLESS.. it is on the opening of the pickup, where it will restrict oil flow for the remainder of the now shortend life of the engine...

UNLESS.. it is on the opening of the pickup, where it will restrict oil flow for the remainder of the now shortend life of the engine...
There is a screen about 3" in diameter at the opening of the oil pickup. Hard to believe a tiny magnet will restrict flow much on that big a screen.

I think Hans hit it right on the nail: chances are that it is stuck to the pick-up, and it will stay there for ever.Have you bought a new drain plug?

Sorry, I meant "stuck to the pick-up."