Non-return valve parts falling out during oil filter removal

[Awntchi]

Hi guys, a bit of a long post...apologies in advance...

This has been discussed many times in various forums, in particular this one. I mentioned this issue in a different thread I started regarding my suspension conversion but thought I'll just make a specific thread about it here instead as I need some input on my findings.

1. I went to BMW (Norway) last week and they assured me they knew which part this valve sits in...I was really happy as that part was very cheap and requires no more than 10 min to change. Today I went to pick it up and immediately noticed they were wrong, that part does not have the valve incorporated into it. See link, item 2.
RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

2. The parts rep at BMW then recommended to order the actual filter housing (not where the filter sits), part 1 in above link. He said that's where the valve most likely came from....with no certainty in his voice this time. He said that there is a possibility that the oil is not being filtered due to the missing valve but again he was NOT sure. I told him to order it (takes a week, approx 200$) but I think I'll call them now to cancel it due to some interesting info I've found on this forum.

3. Below link is a discussion on this forum about this issue, the difference here is BMW (USA and Canada) are saying the actual oil pump is where this valve came from but it doesn't make sense as the valve would have to travel quite a distance to get down to where the filter sits and eventually spring out upon opening the filter housing, see link: RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog.

I could then only assume they changed both the pump and filter housing (part 1 in first link)...but you know the saying about ASSuming However, a few members in this thread have chosen not to do anything about the valve and driven more than 10K miles without it and no issues whatsoever. One even had a BMW dealer confirming there is no need to do anything about the issue as there is no proof of oil starvation etc to the engine.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-update-4.html

4. Semi-conclusion: Changing the oil pump or housing seems to require a considerable amount of time (taking into account access to lift, tools, know-how etc) if choosing the DIY route. Even if the dealer or Indy take it in they would need approx 14 hours which in Norway translates into serious amount of cash. Driving without it risks something but so far there is no proof of that...not even what the risk is. I've put about 1100Km (about 690 miles) since the oil change and I have no leaks nor weird noises, the car behaves like it always has....a beast when you need it to be or a sleeping bear when the "boys in blue" are around

What do you guys think?