O2 sensor

[vandal]

Hey gang,

Any R53 owners out there have any luck with aftermarket oxygen sensors?

I am seeing a price range of $27.95 to $255.00. 

I am not ready to pay the dealer $255.00 when something less expensive will work.

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Van

[stage1scott]

what happened to emission control warranty?

[vandal]

what happened to emission control warranty?

I tried to get the dealer to replace the sensor and the told me I needed a new cat.

This all started back in June when I needed to pass smog and the SES light came on. The independent that replaced my crank pulley said that O2 sensors should be covered for 10 years / 120,000 miles. I went back to the dealer who offered to waive the $125 and check the O2 sensor, but he thought it was the cat. After keeping the car for 1/2 a day, he said that his tech said it was the cat. Replacement ... $1800.00

Lucky for me the SES light went out on its own and I quickly went to the smog check station and passed. 3 days later the SES light came back on, and is still on. The code is P2096... lean after cat. It could be as simple as an exhaust leak, but I have not found one yet.

I like to fix my own stuff. I don't know if the dealer is trying to get out of warrantying my O2 sensor. I thought I might get a less expensive O2 sensor and install in myself, check for any exhaust leaks, and change my oil this weekend.

Has anyone in the club tried one of the less expensive (Bosch) O2 sensors?

Thanks, Van

[stage1scott]

what happened to emission control warranty?

I tried to get the dealer to replace the sensor and the told me I needed a new cat.

This all started back in June when I needed to pass smog and the SES light came on. The independent that replaced my crank pulley said that O2 sensors should be covered for 10 years / 120,000 miles. I went back to the dealer who offered to waive the $125 and check the O2 sensor, but he thought it was the cat. After keeping the car for 1/2 a day, he said that his tech said it was the cat. Replacement ... $1800.00

Lucky for me the SES light went out on its own and I quickly went to the smog check station and passed. 3 days later the SES light came back on, and is still on. The code is P2096... lean after cat. It could be as simple as an exhaust leak, but I have not found one yet.

Oh yes, I remember all tha tnow that you mention it-I am certain there is nothing wrong with your cat I I think I siad so previously.  atk oxy sensors have worked fine for us so far.    You need to know just changing the sensor will not turn out your light-the new sensor requires "programming"  or matching the new p[art to the ecu. We use a BMW GT 1 scanner but there are others that will do it-a simple code reader will not

I like to fix my own stuff. I don't know if the dealer is trying to get out of warrantying my O2 sensor. I thought I might get a less expensive O2 sensor and install in myself, check for any exhaust leaks, and change my oil this weekend.

Has anyone in the club tried one of the less expensive (Bosch) O2 sensors?

Thanks, Van

[vandal]

"atk oxy sensors have worked fine for us so far. "

Thanks Scott, that's what I wanted to hear.

Cheers, Van

[ej]

I replaced my O2 sensor with a Bosch after throwing a code.
This was all done prior to the recall notice that was sent out by MINI USA (I think it was a couple years ago). You might want to ask your service advisor about this since I remember that they would replace the defective O2 sensor free of charge.

[vandal]

I replaced my O2 sensor with a Bosch after throwing a code.
This was all done prior to the recall notice that was sent out by MINI USA (I think it was a couple years ago). You might want to ask your service advisor about this since I remember that they would replace the defective O2 sensor free of charge.

ej,

Thanks for the suggestion.

I went to the dealer to have them check the sensor. They said the sensor was OK, and I needed a new cat. 3 days later I passed smog. How can you pass smog with a bad cat? I no longer trust the dealer.

I plan on working on my MINI this weekend. I will let the forum know how it works out.

Cheers, Van

[mOstyn]

Van, why don't you go by MinWorx and have John check it out. At least you will know what's what.

[vandal]

Hey Gang,

I worked on my MINI Saturday. I rotated the tires, changed the oil and filter, and replaced the post cat oxygen sensor.  Before starting the engine after replacing the sensor I cleared the codes with my Scangauge II. I had 2 codes. P2096 and P2270. P2270, rear sensor stuck lean, makes me think that the oxygen sensor went bad. So far the SES light is staying off.  I went with the Bosch replacement sensor with the correct plug installed. Cost was $157 vs the $255 that the dealer wanted. I just wish the dealer would have replaced it under warranty instead of trying to sell me a cat that I didn't need. At least for now everything is working great on my MINI.

Cheers, Van

[Jawz11]

Hi everyone,

There is The Bulletin that MINI has for it's techs in case of this fault code2096. Sorry to say, but this fault code is like chasing a ghost. Basically it states that the O2 sensor is not the case for the fault, intake should be checked for leaks, and reset all engine addaptation values. I would check for an intake leak. In the past I have replaced the exhaust system. It had leaks in it when pressurized with shop air. The manufacturerer started to weld shut those little holes (flaws) in the exhaust system later on when the fault code became common. Very Rarely had anyone return after replacing the exhaust under warranty for this condition. Long story short to check, intake, exhaust, fuel system ( the whole engine)!

I hope this helps.   


P.S. This is what MINI says to do and more.... 

Perform basic diagnostic of the intake air filter, intake system, fuel delivery, and exhaust systems. Look for vacuum leaks in the intake manifold, supercharger boots, by-pass valve, etc. Check for leaks in the exhaust manifold and catalytic converter area (preferably by using a diagnostic smoke machine). Check fuel pressure, swap MAP/TMAP sensors, swap injectors from a known good car and observe changes to the short-term adaptation values. Perform appropriate repairs as needed............