A quick question: Does anybody know whether there should be a spring in the oil filter housing on a 1992 500sl? (would go between the inside base of the housing and the bottom of the filter)

Just did an oil change and I thought I noticed one when I opened up the top and pulled the filter. I wiped out the housing and when I went to put the filter in there was no spring. Not really sure if I saw one in the first place (it has been a long day) but I thought I did. I am worried that it fell out when I was wiping out the housing.

Matt