Can't locate the engine oil drain plug on my 2003 BMW 325XI?

I understand your plight! I just changed the oil for the first time on my "new" (used) 2003 BMW 325 and had a heck of a time finding the oil drain plug. It is located under a plastic guard that needs to be removed from the under side of the car. the guard is fairly big (maybe 2ft by 3 ft) and is held in place by 5 or 6 specialty screws (the kind that don't come all the way out). The plastic guard is a pain in the neck to remove, and even more difficult to reinstall. the good news is that, once you have the guard off, the oil drain plug is easy to access. Good luck! Does the drain plug screw in from the bottom or side of the oil pan?