Bosch Generic O2 Sensor

[brcorp]

Does anyone know the part number for the generic Bosch 3-wire O2 sensor? I understand it is much cheaper than the one designated for the 911.

[scottb]

If our host doesn't have it, try Zim's. www.***********. That's where I bought mine.

[ischmitz]

On that topic, are all Bosch 3-wire sensors (two white, one black) the same. Someone told me there are differences in their response, number of openings in the tip etc.

[banjomike]

another good question... is this a wideband sensor?

[ischmitz]

Mike,

my source said that even narrow band bosch are different for different cars. And it's not only the connector style. I found that strange but then again I am not a specialist. It would be nice if someone (maybe a Bosch guy) could chime in here. I remember there was a quite involved discussion here in the board more than a year ago where somehow someone was claiming about the need for the wires carrying the outside air to the sensor, yada yada (Bosch engineer). I don't remember the conclusions but it somehow sounded like either he wanted to shy people away from using generic sensors and save a bundle or there was really something to it.....
Ingo

[scottb]

There was a long thread in which a Pelicanite (Wil Ferch?) discussed what he understood the problems to be with generic sensors vs. OEM. I installed a generic sensor bought from Zims, and it has been absolutely perfect. Car passed smog a few months ago with flying colors. Buying from Zims gave me comfort that the sensor would be the right one. Three wires, some soldering, some heat shrink, and it's been fine ever since.

[ischmitz]

It's here O2 Sensor.. Alert ! ..and new info

[greglepore]

Wil's thread has tons on information, and some fun rhetoric too. FWIW, I've been using the Ford sensor, cheaper than the Universal, without a problem for 10k mi.

[brcorp]

Thanks for the replies! Thanks for the thread link also, tons-o-great info. I'm gonna buy the 15725, solder, shrink wrap it up.

One question though, if I provide too good of a seal at the O2 sensor wires, not allowing it to breath, will it suffocate? I'm too funny, I kill me

[ischmitz]

Originally posted by brcorp
....., I kill me

Maybe the Bosch guy will help you

[Wil Ferch]

I'm almost embarassed to respond....noting the message I forwarded earlier from my discussions with the Bosch "engineer"....

But in the passage of time and careful reflection....I would say use the Bosch Generic that applies or the various Ford application equivalents. Also, it might still be wise to use crimped/soldered connections with heat shrink overlay .... that allow "some" kind of insulation space air communication from one end of the connector to the other. Sounds ridiculous...but why chance things when such an electrical connection method has merit all by itself anyways....

Yeah....I guess you can call it "fun" dialogue *now*.....

---Wil Ferch

[Sonic dB]

Many months ago, I replaced the original one with a Walker O2 sensor which I purchased from someone else who carried them at a great price. No problems with car at all. Works great.