You can also get fiber optic cameras on ebay for less than $100 (I think I paid $20 for a usb one with led lighting), or harbor freight.

The only place it would go would be down the runners. I highly doubt it would enter the combustion chamber. If its in the manifold still and wasn't removed by the PO, it is probably blocking a decent amount of air to one or two of the cylinders. You can also just remove the manifold. It isn't that huge of a job. Since the car is already at the shop, just have them scope it. I would assume that they have one.

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03 3.0i mt
89 325is