Small Oil Filter part broken HELP!!!

So I recently bought my first BMW. A 95 325is, 5 speed 2door http://images.bimmerforums.com/smilies/biggrin.gif

The oil is dark so I decided to change it (a few days before I put her on the road). I drain the oil, pull the filter and hear a faint "KLINK". I look in the filter housing and find 3 small pieces of metal. They look as if they were 1 piece which has broken apart. The 3 pieces fit together perfectly, so I do not suspect there was other metal left behind.

OK I have some pictures online now so I will post them.

What is this part? What does it do? Can I drive the car (6 hours to my new home) without it? I stopped by a dealer but it seems this small part is only sold as part of the oil filter housing, so I will be stopping by an wrecker.

http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q453/someguynamedmatty/BMW/Temp_17.jpg
http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q453/someguynamedmatty/BMW/Temp_21.jpg

I am travelling 6 hours this weekend to load a moving truck and I REALLY want to bring my car back with me afterwards.

Thanks in advance for the help!



Matty-D