Cheaper O2 sensor source?

[scott540]

Anybody know a cheap/good source for 02 sensors? BMA wants $114 a piece for them, BAV auto wants about the same but with $16 shipping for standard delivery. That's about $250 for 2 stinkin sensors. Thanks

[Phil M]

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=1740&highlight=oxygen+sensor

check that thread out scott. I remembered reading it a while back about substituting a ford o2 sensor for ours; they are supposedly identical but w/ a diff plug. i skimmed thru the thread and bruno stated that you could soldier the old plug to the new sensor and voila, new sensor for about $39/ea and some elbow grease

[scott540]

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=1740&highlight=oxygen+sensor
Thanks Phil. I wonder if those work on the v-8? Even if I used the NGK direct fit ones I would still save about $40 .
check that thread out scott. I remembered reading it a while back about substituting a ford o2 sensor for ours; they are supposedly identical but w/ a diff plug. i skimmed thru the thread and bruno stated that you could soldier the old plug to the new sensor and voila, new sensor for about $39/ea and some elbow grease

[DueyT]

Phil, I know that the 540's show two different p/n's for a before and after cat O2 sensor (13532, a 2-wire and 13533, a 4-wire sensor). Anyone know if the aft sensor is actually a temp sensor or is it really an O2 sensor? Listings at http://www.oxygensensorwholesale.com/bmw_1995_540i.html imply I need two of each the front and back sensors... = 4???

I'll check the ETK tonight but I dont want to be shelling out ~$400US for sensors I don't need/have.

p.s. NGK's site says I only need 2 x p/n 25045.....headache...coming...ouch...

Cheers,
Duey

[G Feller]

I know, I am very very helpful. Bueller?


NGK's site says I only need 2 x p/n 25045.....headache... coming...ouch...

[Phil M]

I'm almost 100% positive that the 540's & 530's (M60) have two of the same O2 sensors..


Phil, I know that the 540's show two different p/n's for a before and after cat O2 sensor (13532, a 2-wire and 13533, a 4-wire sensor). Anyone know if the aft sensor is actually a temp sensor or is it really an O2 sensor? Listings at http://www.oxygensensorwholesale.com/bmw_1995_540i.html imply I need two of each the front and back sensors... = 4???

I'll check the ETK tonight but I dont want to be shelling out ~$400US for sensors I don't need/have.

p.s. NGK's site says I only need 2 x p/n 25045.....headache...coming...ouch...

Cheers,
Duey

[scott540]

fore and aft? sensors. I've got one on each side directly across from each other.

http://img9.photobucket.com/albums/v25/scott540/O2_sensor.jpg

[632 Regal]

I wonder what thats all about? Does look mighty unremoveable to me!

[MBXB]

I've been looking into this too. Here's a NGK's universal sensor:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_fitment.asp?pid=21027

for $44.85 each:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1012431&pid=4310

[scott540]

I've been looking into this too. Here's a NGK's universal sensor:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_fitment.asp?pid=21027

for $44.85 each:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1012431&pid=4310


So what's the difference between the NGk universal and the
NGK OE identical O2 sensor 25045 FC From 3/94 $94.85

besides $50 each?

[MBXB]

You have to use the old connector using the 21027. They provide the connectors and insulating sheath, and directions. I figure I can cut n splice. Its a car, not the Space Shuttle. LOL

[DueyT]

fore and aft? sensors. I've got one on each side directly across from each other.

http://img9.photobucket.com/albums/v25/scott540/O2_sensor.jpgScott, do you also have two behind the cats (one either side)?

I think it's time for the ramps to be put to good use now.

Jeff, it doesn't look too bad....I mean, I do have a DeWalt 5" grinder/cut off and a MIG welder! :p

....*news flash after checking ETK*...
(and still to be confirmed by putting the beast up on ramps)

540i/6's only have 2 x O2 sensors, OEM p/n 11 78 1 742 023

additionally, it appears that some 540iA's also have 2 x temp sensors aft of the cats, OEM p/n 11 78 1 722 763

...I tried clicking on the temp sensor (ETK item #22 in the exhaust group) and was given a large "car not equipped with that part" dialogue box.

I'll confirm this tonight and report back to you guys what the skit is with the O2 sensors....well at least for '95 540i/6's.

Cheers,
Duey

[Hallmark]

Apparently the O2 sensor is sensitive enough that a solder joint will change the electrical characteristics enough to give wrong readings. A crimped splice is the way to go and (if protected from moisture) will outperform a solder joint.

[Mr Project]

Crimped better?

You sure about that? 'Cause as a guy with an EE degree, that would be the first time I have ever heard that, and it sounds like someone is confused. I can't think of any situation in which a crimped joint would be electrically preferable to a properly-soldered one.

[Hallmark]

1) You don't induce extra resistance into the circuit (this has a lot to do with soldering technique).

2) In high vibration environments a soldered wire joint will fail well before a crimped splice. That is why crimped connectors are generally preferred in aircraft applications.

[Mr Project]

Maybe we're thinking of different crimps...I'm thinking of the garden-variety butt-splice connectors or even the side-by-side crimps. Both of those styles will generally introduce more resistance than a good solder connection, and will corrode and fail much faster because they are so much harder to protect(and usually such low-quality materials).

Vibration tolerance maybe I could see as an advantage, but again, only if the crimp was a lot higher quality than the ones I'm thinking of.

[scott540]

Scott, do you also have two behind the cats (one either side)?

I think it's time for the ramps to be put to good use now.

Jeff, it doesn't look too bad....I mean, I do have a DeWalt 5" grinder/cut off and a MIG welder! :p

....*news flash after checking ETK*...
(and still to be confirmed by putting the beast up on ramps)

540i/6's only have 2 x O2 sensors, OEM p/n 11 78 1 742 023

additionally, it appears that some 540iA's also have 2 x temp sensors aft of the cats, OEM p/n 11 78 1 722 763

...I tried clicking on the temp sensor (ETK item #22 in the exhaust group) and was given a large "car not equipped with that part" dialogue box.

I'll confirm this tonight and report back to you guys what the skit is with the O2 sensors....well at least for '95 540i/6's.

Cheers,
Duey


Yeah, just two. Look a lot easier to get at than what I've heard of the 6 cyl one. THere were some post a while about about having temp sensor on japanese market models. Tricky part will be just getting them off after years of soaking in midwest road salt .