O2 Oxygen Sensor

[MiniBrio]

I'm told I need a new post-cat O2 sensor and the ones I've seen from the MINI parts dealers are in the range of $195. Do I really need to get such an expensive one or can I get a cheaper one? I've been told all O2 sensors are pretty much the same and there's not much to them so I'm wondering why I'm being directed to such an expensive replacement.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

2005 S Convertible

[ScottyBoy]

I had one replaced under warrenty by the dealers, the invoice said it would have cost £79.99 so i guess thats about right!

[MiniBrio]

Thanks for your input, Scotty.

I'm really wondering if a lesser, simpler (and, therefore, less expensive) sensor can be used on my car than the one a dealer would necessarily use for replacement.

For example, if I go to autopartswarehouse.com and do a search, I get 47 sensors back that supposedly work with my car. They range from $30 to $200.

Some people (non-MINI-owners) I've talked to recently have told me I should not have to spend $200 on an O2 sensor.

What I'm trying to find out is, will a $30 sensor do the same for my car as a $200 sensor will?

[ScottyBoy]

If its the correct sensor then i guess it will work regardless of the price.... not 100% sure tho

[MiniBrio]

Ah, but this begs the question, "What are the minimum specs of a "correct" sensor?"

[m32]

MiniBrio,

Were you able to find out if the $30 o2 sensor worked? I have the same problem and was wondering how you resolved it

Edwin

[MiniBrio]

I did find out the answer. A friend of mine asked his auto mechanic who specializes in german cars to look up available sensors for me. He let me know that only Bosch makes the o2 sensor for my car, and yes, they retail for $195. Turns out the retail markup is 100%, but the auto mechanic did me (through my friend) a favor and sold it to me at his cost of $103. So I felt lucky to get that deal.

[philly c]

maybe its a bit late but i got and o2 simulator as a result of the de cat to turn off the engine management light. What it does is send the correct voltage(code) TO THE ECU informing it to fuel correctly once again!

Hope this helps

the main point is is only cst me £20 say $40 ish??

hope this helps type o2 simulator into google will try find the address!

[MiniBrio]

Thanks, Philly C.

It turns out my existing o2 sensors are fine. The garage changed the o2 sensor twice and even tried swapping out the post and the pre cat sensors but the P2096 code is still getting thrown. So now I'm wondering if this "o2 simulator" will be the answer. Really, my car seems to be running just fine. I don't notice any loss of power or fuel economy, so I think there's probably just something that's not fully resetting itself and it's not the actual exhaust system.

I've just barely googled o2 simulators as you suggested and I wonder if this is something I have to leave on my car "forever" or do I merely leave it on until the ECU is satisfied with adjusting the fuel/oxygen ratio and clears the code after which I remove the o2 simulator.

And can you point me to a URL for the exact o2 simulator you installed?

Thank You!

[coopersooper]

pm me, ill sort you out originals for a cheap price. pm your cars details , year, model and ill sort you something out, ill prob stick them on a short ebay listing and pm you the address

[coopersooper]

sorry should of read the whole thread! gutted you sorted it, would of liked to help earlier