Lots of engine oil in the canister??

[caposto]

After draining the oil for an oil change I opened the oil canister to remove the filter on my '91 535i. A lot of oil splashed out and the canister was still about have full of oil when I took out the filter.

Is this normal or should that oil drain out into the pan?? Did I forget to do something? I ended up sucking the oil out with a large syringe and finished the job, but I'm a little worried because I've seen some posts here about oil canisters going bad somehow.

The car does run great though and just passed the new CA emissions standards with flying colors.

-Chris
'91 535i e34
'88 535is e28
'86 535i e28
'73 2002tii