I was just wondering if any of you have had some experience with universal oxygen sensors, are they good enough to work, they are about half the price of the others everywhere I've checked, and being a college student, that sounds really appealing to me. I would appreciate any input, thank you.

I don't know anything about universal oxygen sensors, but if I were you I would buy the Bosch sensor that BMW recommends. You'll be glad you did. That's a pretty important part.

+1 for wanting cheap parts on student wages.
Dubious about trusting them though... depending on the part that is.

I'll be VERY happy to be rocking replica E39 M5 wheels on my car, but as for the oxygen sensor you might wanna hold off til the rest of these guys yay or nay it... it seems over half of them are Engineers, just see the OT: What do you do? thread.

i tried a bosch 4 wire one from ebay and it worked fine. Just make sure you get the two white wires the right way around.

you have pics of two white wires the "right way around"?

pic wont work, the wires are white on both side. You have to try them one way at a time untill you get the right signal from the 02 sensor.

for the front sensor (OBD1, all e34s) you can probably get away with a generic sensor. i've used non-OEM sensors on other cars with good results. you might get the occasional hiccup, but in general they should work ok. they really just act as a switch, lean/rich/lean/rich etc.

disclaimer: i've never tried it on an e34

how much is new vs. generic?

Spend the money on the right sensor. It will last longer, and plug-n-play is much better, less joints to break a year down the road.

You can get a universal Bosch that is exactly the same as the OEM version with the exception that you have to cut the connector off the old and use it on the new one. It will function perfectly and save you money.

However you must NOT solder the wires together as the solder joint will change the signal from the O2 sensor. Use the crimps provided and everything will work. They either come with a water tight connector or heat shrink tubing.

I had issues with two universal O2 sensors in my 535i. One after the other. Check engine light appeared within a week and it was running lean. Replaced it with a stock one and its been fine ever since. I guess the computer is very sensitive. Spend the money. BMA has them for $110 shipped.

I had issues with two universal O2 sensors in my 535i. One after the other. Check engine light appeared within a week and it was running lean. Replaced it with a stock one and its been fine ever since. I guess the computer is very sensitive. Spend the money. BMA has them for $110 shipped.

Interesting, I have never had an issue with universals on other cars, however to be honest I did buy the OEM for my BMW just cause I spoil it. :)

I can beat you on the price though....$93.57 with free shipping @ KOPerformance. :stickoutt

You should be find w/ the universal if your on a budget. But for the prices zubbie mentioned...you might as well buy the OEM ones. That's almost as much as the universal's.

Thank you guys, that should help out. Those prices aren't bad, I just checked with a BMW dealer today on a price for the replacement, he said $261 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought that was a little overpriced,. And the cheapest universal was about $60, so even $100 isn't that much worse.

Why did you ask the dealer?

Just call Patrick at BMA parts.

at the Zone of Auto

Universal O2 Sensor: Bosch #11027 (~$17)

Have not tried personally. Info from anotherother bd.



Regards,
M.R.

+1 on the universal working fine, providing you crimp and not solder it. I've done this for years on my Audi's with never a problem. That being said, the BMW sensor is cheap enough that I'd just buy the correct one and be done with it.
HTH

sscuse me for butting in, dont be alarmed, it's just my way... I've red a report, think it was on ebay, about 02 sensors as a performance accessory, trick engine into reading lean, give up more petroleum/ gasoline?? Any thoughts on the validity of such tecknology?
Just bought myself a 94 530, goes okay, but neds a bit of persuasion to get going. Thinking of a motivational seminar!!

Heads up for everyone...
Autohausaz.com has them for $74 shipped

Don't f*ck around trying to save a couple dollars on a precision instrument like an O2 sensor...

The extra $20 just is not worth the possible negative consequences -- especially considering you aren't going to find a "universal" sensor that uses the same connector as the BMW ones, and the slightest change in the wiring/connection will result in an incorrect reading getting sent to the ECU -- is that what you really want?

Just buy BMW... I'm sure there are people who would disagree, but honestly is it really worth it? You should only need to replace your O2's once as long as you have your car, so just spend the extra cash and do it right... Shouldn't cost you any more than $150/ea.

+1 to calling Patrick @ BMA