So... detailing my fiance's e46 and put some spare coins ontop of the dash by the front window while cleaning out the cup holders. Shut the door and a few coins toppled over and went down her defroster vents!!! How the HELL do I get those suckers out? I'm terrified they'll get into the fan blades or rattle constantly. Haven't turned on the car yet to test either!

 

Where's the smiley face for "dumba$$" ??

 

Someone really needs to create that smiley. Anyway, what you can possibly try is one of those extendable magnetic rods (they sell them at any auto parts store). They are usually for getting nuts and bolts that have fallen somewhere you can't reach but it might help get the coins out.

 

Coins aren't magnetic though are they?

 

Usually not, but it's worth a try, cheaper and a hell of a lot easier than removing the duct work to get at them.

 

e46 dash is so sloped. not cool. good luck with that!!!!!!!!!

 

Get a super duper vacuum cleaner ... and if that doesn't help it's not likely they'll travel near the fan - in most cases the plumbing has a curvy journey from motor to vents. Sometimes, under the dash, you might find a couple of ducts you can disconnect easily to see if the coins have settled there.

 

wouldnt even try the magnetic rod. it wont work, unless you put a huge tape ball on the end of it and try to get the coins to stick

 

I have an $850 miele upright... I'm hoping it'll do the trick. Will try that first....

 

Coins are not magnetic .... and yet those that think so still have the right to vote. No wonder.
Coins, in my opinion, go in the ashtry (which should never be used for ashes) or in your pocket.