I recommend buying from here: http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/M3095.cfm

I recently just replaced my O2 sensors and you wouldn't believe the hassle I've had to go through. To keep a long story short, there are two OEM Bosch sensors available that have the same model number and UPC, yet are completely different when you visually compare both.

GotMINI

 

This is the right one ( M3095 )then? That's a pretty good price too. I have seen them range up to $200. Yet then again some advertise that are as low as $40.

If they have the same UPC/model# what is the other one for? You said that you replaced both of your sensors. Did they both go bad? Why did you have to replace both?

I am trying to figure out what "Bank1" means. Does anyone have any idea? The wire harness leading out to the o2 sensors have "1234" written on them. Does this have anything to do with "Bank1" or does "Bank1" mean the front sensor?

Thanks

 

Yes, that's the correct O2 sensor I linked (the OEM Bosch model number is 13878 if you want to compare, but they are identical from the photos). I'm not entirely sure why Bosch has two O2 sensors with identical part numbers, yet are physically different parts. Perhaps they had a glitch in their packaging process, I'm not sure.

In regards to replacing both, I'm of the opinion you should always do this once a sensor starts to act up. I can't cite any research on this topic, but I've always been of the mindset once a sensor starts to throw codes, the other is probably not too far off. Besides, refreshing both sensors will ensure you get optimum fuel economy.

GotMINI

 

deleted...

 

The rear sensor is to keep an eye on the catalytic converter's efficiency. Meaning if your CAT is dead, the rear sensor will tell you.

The front sensor is for feeding the ECM information to adjust for optimum Air/Fuel ratio.

If your car has more than 130-150k, then replace them both. If not, just replace the one that is faulty. They shouldn't go bad unless the engine is running too rich or lean for an extended period of time.

Watching your fuel consumption trend will let you know if something is faulty with emission components.

 

ahhh... makes sense... thanks for the info Cadenza.

GotMINI

 

The O2 sensor on our car was replaced in 07 with about 25K on the odo. The dealership told us at that time that it was a common occurrance. Looks like it took Mini 2 more years to admit it to their owners.

 

Did your Mini trigger a Check Engine Light when the O2 sensor failed?

 

Yes, the light came on when it failed.

 

It has been about 1000 miles now after a reset and I have been using ONLY Shell gasoline and the light has not come back on. Maybe it was the cheap 91 octane gasoline from the nearby station?

 

I'd like to thank the OP for this post. If it wasn't for this post I would be out about $600 CAN in parts and labour to replace the post cat sensor.

I never received a letter regarding this in the mail here in Canada.

I checked it out with Mini Canada and they will honour this 10 year / 100,000 miles extension as well.

Thanks again!

 

I had both sensors replaced prior to the recall at local repair shop in Seattle and paid almost $1000 for their replacements. Then they went out again just recently and had them replaced under the warranty extension. Anyone know if Mini might compensate for the first replacement?

 

I think they will, provided you have the necessary documentation. (It might even by a legal requirement, given that it's a warranty extension, but I don't know.)

I would call MiniUSA first, to request the reimbursement. You're likely to get a "we're very sorry sir, but..." denial attempt from MiniUSA. But that initial contact will also create a paper trail within BMW for your claim. The next step will be to contact some senior management person within BMW who will most likely approve the reimbursement (eventually...).

Good luck!

 

I dont think so.....they just might say that you should have come to them but then again, the guys in Fife are really personable and you may have some luck.

 

I know VW of America reimburses their customers on items they eventually found to be defective and issued recalls. For example, from late '90s to early 2000s coil packs were failing in large numbers. Many had to pay for replacements which failed again and again before VW decided it was defective and changed suppliers. It was so bad that the original supplier went out of business. Every VW owner was sent a reimbursement form which they can send in with receipts.

$1000... Wow, what are these things made of? 18k Gold? Did you buy them at the dealer?

Pretty soon I'll have to take out a mortgage to replace 02 sensors. The Mini's engine management program (ECU) is made by Bosch, 02 sensors are made by Bosch... just like every German designed/made car. I spent $200 for 2 sensors for my '01 VW.

 

Mine failed before the letter came out and the dealership that serviced my Mini refunded me the money.

 

I recently had my "check engine" light come on and go off randomly, car seemed to be driving normally. Took it to the dealer and they diagnosed O2 sensor failure. Fixed it, no money out of my pocket. Car seems to run better now, maybe it was in limp mode after all.

 

Yes they will. I replaced a sensor on my own with an OEM part from a boston mini dealership online before the letters went out (the Seattle/Fife dealers here way, way, way overcharge for parts compared to other dealers). I called Mini USA and they said to just work through your local dealer for reimbursement.

I'm heading in for post-cat sensor #4 later this week. Pre-cat sensor is still original and working fine (45k miles).

 

just had this code go off, 58,100 miles, does dealer give you a hard time if you have a cat-back exhaust?, also do you need a special socket to get sensor off, anyone know the size? if i have to do it myself. thanks
22mm or 7/8" answered my own?

 

+1...

I had the rear O2 sensor go out on my MINI a few months after I had bought it... Thanks to this thread, I knew of the letter from Mini USA and when I mentioned it to the service manager at my local dealership, they replaced both O2 sensors on my car for free...

After which they gave me a $3400 estimate on other things they found wrong with the car...

 

This is very good to hear. I have an intermittent SES light now (@ only 65,000 km) on my 2006 MCS; the local independent MINI garage says it's the pre-cat O2 sensor throwing the codes.

Is there a number to call / someone to talk to at MINI Canada, or will the local dealer be in the loop enough to honor this warranty extension?

 

my scanning tool indicated P0138, bank 1 sensor 2, dealer was able to get me in 2 days later saturday 9:30 a.m., well 10:55 a.m. service rep confirms yes it is a 02 sensor, hands me a work order to sign for $802 to replace both sensors?!@
i casually mention is there a possiable extended warrenty? (by the way i already have spoken to mini usa about this, which they confirmed 10 year 100,000 warrenty extension for my car!) which i learned of the extention from NAM.
the MINI service rep is unaware of this warrenty!!
talks to another mechanic who then confirms yes it is covered, but will only replace the sensor after the cat because that is the one that threw the code!!
5 mintues before he is replacing both for $800.
i did not want to make waves because i have a after market catback exhaust and pulley, then while waiting till 2 p.m. to get the car back, in the waiting room there is several copies of MC2 mini magazine, which has all kinds of after market products advertised and tested? should i be worried about my exhaust and express my displeasure with the service department?
now i am getting all these rate your service visit from the Dealer e-mails,
but i do not want to be put on the black list!
any sugestions?

 

Dear All, am a newbie and perhaps the incorrect posting area, I apologize.
Service Engline Light just came on, diagnostics revealed knock sensor. Would this be considered part of the o2 warranty letter? She is a 2006 mini s with only 24,000 miles on her..

Thank you again..a newbie and blond, lol!

 

I do not believe so.

 

If your Mini was originally sold in California and you're residing in California, then the knock sensors are covered under the Calif Emission Warranty (7yrs or 70k).