PKELLEY

One of my front oxygen sensors needs to be replaced. My local shop quoted me $660 with parts and labor. I can get the sensor for $260. I'm about 100% this is something I can do myself. Anyone done this before? (Front sensor).
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Patrick

seanjordan

What year, make and model vehicle do you have. If you search the DIY section I am sure its in there.

jaycal3

I know it sounds crazy, but Autozone's website has DIY sections and all you have to do is register online and its free... I use it for my Jeep repairs all the time since i do them all myself. Or get a repair manual. What I will say, and someone with experience doing an o2 sensor on a BMW can chime in, but I just did one on my Jeep and found out after trying like hell to break the "rust weld" on the sensor, there is a special socket made for the o2 sensor itself and has a groove or slit in the side for the wires... I found a parts store around here that loans this socket out for a deposit which you get back upon return. Made the job about a 10 minute one as opposed to wrestling with a sensor that didnt want to come out...

seanjordan

Tools Needed

Floor jack
Jack stands
Set of ½-inch drive ratchet
7/8-inch oxygen sensor socket with the slot in the side for the wires
7/8-inch wrench
OBD-II Tool


1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Disconnect the wiring harness for the sensor and remove the heat shield. Depending on the year, there may not be a heat shield.

2. Remove the sensor with the socket or wrench, whichever fits into the area. Spread some anti-seize compound on the threads of the new sensor so it will come out again if needed, and screw it into the exhaust.

3. Reconnect the wiring harness connector. Erase the code to turn the check engine light out by turning on the ignition key and hitting the erase button on the code scanner.

You will have two O2 sensors so you will have to determine which one is malfunctioning. Sorry I couldn't post pics just know how to change them.

545felix

you don't mention which engine you have, but I changed a post-cat O2 sensor on my 545 in 15 minutes with the car on ramps. the pre-cat ones would have been a little more difficult. BTW, check advance auto or autozone for the sensor, you can get the bosch oem with the correct plug for far less than 260.

PKELLEY

Thanks to all! I did find the sensor cheaper. I'm sure it will be an easy fix, seeing how I do own all tools necessary (including special 02 socket).

PKELLEY

Did you not have an issue with only replacing the one? In my past experience, you should replace 2 02sensors at a time, to keep air to fuel ratio the same. (On American cars)
Patrick

bimmerzone

What year and model is your E60? We have O2 sensors... and i am sure not at $200+

545felix

i had a CEL on the left post-cat one, I just replaced that one. Haven't had any issues, and from what I understand the post-cat ones do much less adjustment than the pre-cat ones.