Replacing O2s with Generic Bosch?

[shorterthanrich]

Hey dudes, with the engine pull coming up I'll need to replace all of my O2 sensors. I've heard that generic bosch sensors can be used in place of OEM or OEM style bosch if you wire them into the OEM harness, which isn't really a big deal.

EDIT: Here is the correct sensor, as validated by JHMs website and the Bosch website: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-15733-Ox...8715326&sr=8-1
It is Universal Sensor 15733

There seems to be a wide variation of "generic" sensors, so I'm not sure which ones will screw in and do the job.

Input appreciated as usual. Thanks!

[S4UCE]

I'm also curious about this as mine are shot. Soldering/crimping isn't very scary and this can save a bunch of money.

[angry12v]

according the bosch website here: http://www.boschautoparts.com/Vehicl...=OxygenSensors

these are the part numbers for exact fit, no splicing required:

16069 Oxygen Sensor - OE Type - Exact Fit - Downstream Sensor Left side; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles V6-2671cc 2.7L FI EngDesg APB GAS
16067 Oxygen Sensor - OE Type - Exact Fit - Downstream Sensor Right side; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles V6-2671cc 2.7L FI EngDesg APB GAS
16287 Oxygen Sensor - OE Type - Exact Fit - Upstream Sensor Two required; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles V6-2671cc 2.7L FI EngDesg APB GAS

there are also three other "universal" sensors listed

look those up on amazon

[Quattro_2.7tt]

I bought a bosch o2 sensor made for the S4 for 85.00 shipped on ebay. It was the upstream one as well. Im about to buy another one, they work great so far.

[shorterthanrich]

Thanks Angry12v. I ordered 15733 off of Amazon after seeing that it's what JHM sells. I just used the Bosch link you gave, and it confirmed that 15733 is the correct universal one.

Here is the link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-15733-Ox...8715326&sr=8-1

[HotSauce]

I'm running them with no issues. Just make sure you solder and don't try and use some random universal splicing thingamajiggy.

[angry12v]

Thanks Angry12v. I ordered 15733 off of Amazon after seeing that it's what JHM sells. I just used the Bosch link you gave, and it confirmed that 15733 is the correct universal one.

Here is the link to it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-15733-Ox...8715326&sr=8-1

no problem.

yup, looks like 15733 is the one. if you don't mind soldering 4 wires, you can spend half the money. not a bad deal!

and that applies to all four sensors apparently, according to bosch they're all exactly the same, the only thing that's different about them is the plugs.

just make sure you do a good job soldering, heatshrink, and then maybe wrap in electrical tape

[M.S4]

I'm running them with no issues. Just make sure you solder and don't try and use some random universal splicing thingamajiggy.

^This.

Make sure they are properly soldered and wrapped afterward.

[P0234]

FWIW, I think its a waste to replace the rears if they are working fine.

[shorterthanrich]

Its nice to know that they are all the same, though, and the only thing different about them is the connector.

As for the rears...mine will be coded out, so I'm only replacing the fronts.

[angry12v]

yeah post-cat o2's are for emissions only, and im pretty sure nobody here cares how well their cats are working. haha

[julex]

Well, universal sensor can be bought for 1/3 of price of original with proper plug. So if you want to save yourself some money, buy universal and solder it in with proper shrink tubing over it and you will be good to go.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

You can't solder O2 wires... The solder doesn't stick.

You need to crimp them, and it needs to be done properly.

Other then that, yes you can use universal O2 sensors because our shitboxes use narrowband O2's :)

[julex]

You can't solder O2 wires... The solder doesn't stick.

You need to crimp them, and it needs to be done properly.

Other then that, yes you can use universal O2 sensors because our shitboxes use narrowband O2's :)

NOt sure what you're talking about. Both original O2 sensor's wire and well as Delphi replacements I soldered in had standard copper (or maybe is was aluminum, forget now) braided wires without any coating. Sensors cost me like $15 or something insane like that each.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

Every OEM style VAG, BMW, MB, heck even Honda O2 sensor I've ever seen has a silver type of wire that doesn't solder. Interesting though in your case, you're saying the solder actually took/stuck to the wire? Gooping it over two wires doesn't equal solder :P

Actually I clicked on the link on the OP's post and that's probably why they give you the crimps with that as well.

[julex]

seriously, I do know a bit about soldering and the wire was not coated. The solder came out as good as a bare wire solder should. I am using acid flux though so maybe it strips the crap from wires :)

[thegame]

I bought some generic ones on ebay for a VW for $20, just look at the picture, if the four pin plug looks like your o2 sensor, it's plug and play.

[NOTORIOUS VR]

seriously, I do know a bit about soldering and the wire was not coated. The solder came out as good as a bare wire solder should. I am using acid flux though so maybe it strips the crap from wires :)

I'm not saying you don't... :)

[Kruat]

I've also used them and soldered them as well. Been on my S4 going on three years now, no problems.

[kbS42001]

so you just buy the universal with the crimping "kit", cut and crimp it onto your old plug and it works fine?

[Dimcorner]

anyone know if an A4 O2 sensor would just drop/plug in?

[PKmode]

I have used the 15733 O2s and I also soldered them in.

[ski&drive]

I was gonna buy my primaries from pure ms but for half the price now i might give this a try.

I need soldering practice for when i do my center display next month