HOW TO: Replace O2 Sensors

[cali-ti]

Article originated from, resides on and is provided by www.pelicanparts.com
General Info on Oxygen Sensors
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/about_oxygen_sensor.htm

Replacing the Sensors
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-O2_Sensor/E36-O2_Sensor.htm

[tastade]

I bought an oxygen sensor at Autozone for my 1995 Club Sport (Build date 10-95) and it didn't fit, the wire length was right but the connector was wrong, that was the one for the manual transmission. It didn't have the twist ring connector on it.

I returned it and the guy pulled up the picture for the one for the same year with the auto transmission, and it looked correct. Having the twist ring connector. Is it possible that Autozone's computer is wrong or maybe they used the auto's O2 with the manual later in '95? I went ahead and ordered it, and we will see if it fits. The nice thing is that it was $26 cheaper for the auto version. There aren't any other differences are there?

[tastade]

Yes the one for the auto was the correct sensor for my car, even though I have a manual. I did have to shorten the wires by looping and using twist ties (they were included with the sensor).

It was very easy to change, I bought a 22 mm tool to remove it, but it was easy to break free and as soon as it was loosened (1/8th of a turn) it was only hand tight, and this is the original with 142k miles. I was shocked. The car was hot when I changed it. It took me all of 7 minutes to change the sensor, including driving up onto the ramps, swapping the sensor, tying up the sensor wire, and driving off the ramps.

The socket tool I bought is the AmPro Compact Offset Oxygen Sensor Wrench T75518 for just under $12. It was probably the same price as the 22mm wrench would have been, so it was worth the investment. If I had a suitable wrench, I would have used that instead (the sensor wasn't tight at all in my car).