Today I attempted installing DEPO clear sidemarker lenses on my 325. Firstly, let me say - what a crappy product! The plastic edges are rough, the fit is not precise and they don't snap into place like the original ones do. I even had to file off the bulb socket opening in one of them to make it work. I would not recommend this brand of sidemarkers to anyone, and at this point I am not sure if I would brave installing the DEPO clear corner and tail turn signal lenses that I got from the same vendor (who will remain unmentioned here to avoid thread closure).

But my real concern is not the waste of money. While installing the passenger side lens, the small retention bracket broke off and fell into the inside of the fender. I really couldn't care less about the car's appearance if a piece of metal gets sucked/pulled into the engine or shorts out the wiring and causes real problems. Is there any chance of that happening in this situation?

Nope. If it really bugs you, take off the inner fender splash shield and the corner splash shield from the bottom of the bumper and fish it out.