Changing O2 Sensors

[dberch]

I'm not Mr. Fixit, but I can handle simple tools. Picked up a Bently manual and I'm going to attmpt my first DIY job.

Will I have any trouble changing O2 Sensors without a lift?
Are ramps sufficient?
Anything I should know that's not in the service manual?

Also hoping I can handle changing plugs and a CAI upgrade. :)

Thanks!
David

[Pirate_copy]

hey buddy, this may help

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

Good luck :thumbup:

[dberch]

hey buddy, this may help

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

Good luck :thumbup:
Excellent! That's a big help, Pirate. Thanks.

The wants to check to make sure the faulty one isn't the same one they just replaced. If so they'll replace it for free. If not, dberch DIY 1st attempt :)

[paxcam]

A couple of tips--

Buy the tool-- it's worth saving your knuckles in tight quarters. I use both the O2 tool and a shortened 22mm open end wrench to change sensors. I found a fairly short 22mm at Home Depot (Husky brand). You can always saw off a long handled wrench to do the same.

Make sure not to confuse the O2 leads. Masking tape and a sharpie pen are your friends. I learned this the hard way and the car ran sick until I found my mistake.

Good luck.

[Bimrpwr]

A couple of tips--

Buy the tool-- it's worth saving your knuckles in tight quarters. I use both the O2 tool and a shortened 22mm open end wrench to change sensors. I found a fairly short 22mm at Home Depot (Husky brand). You can always saw off a long handled wrench to do the same.

Make sure not to confuse the O2 leads. Masking tape and a sharpie pen are your friends. I learned this the hard way and the car ran sick until I found my mistake.

Good luck.

U can do it without buying a special tool for it. I have changed plenty of these with just your standard metric wrench. Also if you buy the OEM O2 Sensor you shouldnt have to worry about masking anything off as it will (should) have the connector on it.

Also it is about a 15min job. if that.

[paxcam]

Let me clarify my note--

On my 328i, there are two pre-cat O2 sensors. When you change both at the same time, it is easy to get the leads confused when re-plugging at the fuel rail. My suggestion for a first-timer is to use tape and label which one goes in which plug.

Also, I have a great deal of experience changing sensors as well and IMHO while you don't absolutely need the tool, it is helpful for someone who hasn't done it before.

[Bimrpwr]

just do one sensor at a time and you wont get them messed up :)

[dberch]

Great tips everyone. Thanks.