BMW Fuel Filter Replacement Interval and Cost

As a result of assisting that fellow from Colorado sort out his fuel pump issue I noted the following about BMW fuel filters in recent model bikes.

In the US warranty booklet there is a specified fuel filter replacement interval of 24,000 miles for all models. I could not locate a Canadian source that addressed the replacement interval.

In both the US and Canada the fuel filter is not available as a separate part from BMW but only as part of the entire fuel pump assembly.

For the R1220/1250GS bikes that assembly has a cost of $1060 (in the US it's $518).

In those bikes the fuel filter is a MAHLE KL 315 which can be purchased in the aftermarket for far less (note that there is a small o-ring on top that does not come with the filter). I know the F800 bikes use the same filter but I can't say about other models.

I find it very strange that BMW would recommend regular replacement of the fuel filter yet not sell it other than as part of an enture fuel pump, assembly.