Broken dip stick afraid it could damage engine.

[funnyclub]

Hey Guys I picked up a 2001 S3 the other yesterday. Today I dipped it for oil just to make sure. So I removed the dipstick whipped it and re dipped this time on removal there was part of the orange plastic on the end of the dipstick where it had broken off. I am now worried more of it has come loose and fallen into the the bottom of the engine.
So what I am wondering is can bits in the sumps get up into the engine and cause damage?

 

[luke2702]

Possible mate to be on the safe side i would drop the oil just to be sure...

 

[funnyclub]

Possible mate to be on the safe side i would drop the oil just to be sure...

It may not pass out of the sump hole as I aint sure of the size.

 

[luke2702]

The other option will be to take the oil sensor out and see if it comes out with that or completely remove the sump...

 

[LiveWire]

Im no expert but I guess any pieces that could cause damage wouldnt be able to pass through the pick up pipe gauze, and would remain in the bottom of the sump..