Whats this in my canister engine oil filter?

[steviej]

Picked up engine oil and filter from SMG Cowfold at the meet on the 15th September. Got a local garage to do the engine oil/filter change for me a couple of days ago. My 2010 facelift 180 cali has a black canister oil filter and when it was removed the mechanic showed me a part fitted inside the filter which he(and I) have never seen before. Its a plastic steel ring that twists into the top of the canister filter just inside the rim with the rubber oil seal. I got him to clean it and fit it into the new oil filter.

I spoke to parts at SMG plus Alex but they had no knowledge of this part. I would be grateful if someone could shed some light on this - what is it, what does it do?

Confused of Epsom

 

[Syd]

Picked up engine oil and filter from SMG Cowfold at the meet on the 15th September. Got a local garage to do the engine oil/filter change for me a couple of days ago. My 2010 facelift 180 cali has a black canister oil filter and when it was removed the mechanic showed me a part fitted inside the filter which he(and I) have never seen before. Its a plastic steel ring that twists into the top of the canister filter just inside the rim with the rubber oil seal. I got him to clean it and fit it into the new oil filter.

I spoke to parts at SMG plus Alex but they had no knowledge of this part. I would be grateful if someone could shed some light on this - what is it, what does it do?

Confused of Epsom

I have found same coil and ? It's use Is it just to assist a spring release of the filter Do you really need it if filter is screwed on tight

 

[Syd]

I have found same coil. Is it to assist with spring release of filter? If filter is screwed on adequately do you really need it?