Are the O2 sensors on the MINI anything special? Can I get them at a parts store or are they specialized and need to be bought from the dealer?

 

May I ask why you need an O2 sensor? If it is malfunctioning, itsn't it under warranty?

 

You can get them at like NAPA or Pep Boys, I think they are like $120 a pop

 

Yes, my S1 doesn't seem to have the heater working. 66k miles.

 

http://www.minicarparts.net/Parts/M3095.cfm

 

I doubt that the sensors themselves are anything special, they are typical, 4-wire heated sensors. The issue that comes into play is the length and termination of the leads, in the case of the MINI the precat sensor is about a foot and a half long terminating in a 4-pin plug that looks to me to be somewhat common. The after-cat sensor has a cable a bit over a foot long but had a combination connector/mounting/cable routing arrangement where it connects under the car near the frame rail. The big connector routes the cable between the floor and the heat shielding and also snaps onto threaded posts on the floor to hold the connector arrangement in place. You might try a parts store such as NAPA or Advanced, but I have a feeling these are dealer items.

Buy it from Classic MINI, NAMmers get a nice discount!

 

$75.95, front and rear

 

I don't think there is any difference in a BMW sensor versus what you can buy off the shelf (OTS), other than....

1. Make sure you get the correct type (# of leads)
2. OTS sensors come with bare leads which you will have to crimp or solder onto the verhicle's wiring (I usually crimp, solder, and then heat-shrink the connections.
3. Price (much higher for dealer purchased or vehicle-specific sensors)