(ODB1) O2 Sensor question..

[EnigmaX]

Where can I find information out about my O2 sensors? I'm not sure if I have 1 or 2 sensors, and I'm not sure where to order replacement(s)?

They are throwing the check engine light and I want to get it replaced, but not sure where or how. I'll have someone else do the work, but I want to order the part myself and know a little about them before I take my car in to have it replaced.

Anything else I need to do along with replacing the sensor?

[allen201]

Just one in an ODBI E36.

[jmejiaa]

Just tell the shop before you go in with your own part. Some shops don't like it when you bring in your own parts.

[EnigmaX]

Any suggestions on where I can get the O2? I don't have many online bookmarks for BMW parts, as this is my 1st BMW.

[allen201]

www.bavauto.com
www.pelicanparts.com

I get 95% of my bimmer stuff from those two.

[pbclax423]

www.bmw-parts-direct.com (http://www.bmw-parts-direct.com)

if you close to them next day delivery.

put the damn o2 sensor in yourself its as simple as turning a wrench...

[EnigmaX]

Thanks for the info and links guys, checking it out now.

[EnigmaX]

Ok, what do you do when the o2 won't come out? The shop said they had a 50/50 chance of getting it out without it brining the threads out with it.

Obviously it can't be rethreaded, so any suggestions?

P.S. Right now I'm running with no o2 sensor, any adverse effects from this? Obviously I'm not looking to do it long, but I have not choice right now.

[TheStigg]

Compared the other models, e36 m50's are pretty easy to get to the O2 sensor. Has the shop already inspected it and says the threads are frozen or are they just going by past experience? I heat mine with a propane torch and shoot it with PB Blaster (or Liquid Wrench) & so far have always been able to get them out without problems. Actually, it might seem counter-intuitive but impact tools are better for frozen threads and it's less likely for them to gall. Buy the shop a Lisle 43900 O2 sensor attachment for their impact hammer ($34) and let them keep it if they swap your O2 sensor for free:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31cNMnxoPuL._SS500_.jpg


92 735i 5-spd
94 325i 5-spd
89 535i

[SterlingSilber3]

Compared the other models, e36 m50's are pretty easy to get to the O2 sensor. Has the shop already inspected it and says the threads are frozen or are they just going by past experience? I heat mine with a propane torch and shoot it with PB Blaster (or Liquid Wrench) & so far have always been able to get them out without problems. Actually, it might seem counter-intuitive but impact tools are better for frozen threads and it's less likely for them to gall. Buy the shop a Lisle 43900 O2 sensor attachment for their impact hammer ($34) and let them keep it if they swap your O2 sensor for free:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31cNMnxoPuL._SS500_.jpg


92 735i 5-spd
94 325i 5-spd
89 535i

I second the motion for the PB Blaster. I sprayed a shot on before I even made an attempt to take mine out about a month and a half ago, and it came out with ease. Good luck

Justin

[thenewBMWguy]

P.S. Right now I'm running with no o2 sensor, any adverse effects from this? Obviously I'm not looking to do it long, but I have not choice right now.

nothing should happen from running without an o2 sensor, im assuming its just unplugged.

the car will just run on pre programed A/F ratios and you might not get as good of gas mileage as if it was plugged in but you should be fine.

i wouldnt run it like that for long though. just to be safe

[jacobennis]

realoem.com

[EnigmaX]

Thanks for all the info guys, greatly appreciated! Especially the torch/PB blast info. I'll keep that tool in mind if the above doesn't work.