Who makes the best 4-wire O2 sensor?

[camshaftprelube]

I've got a 2005 MINI Cooper at the house. The fuel mileage has been going down, so i ordered a couple universal Bosch sensors for $48 each from www.Rockauto.com. Almost immediately after installing them, i got a check engine light, bank 1 sensor 1. Checked the wiring, all ok, cleared the code, it came on a day later. I talked to a few technicians I know, and none of them had faith in the Bosch sensors.

I'm reluctant to go back to MINI, because we had one of those fail early on, and they are $250 each. I'd like to find a quality direct fit sensor, don't want to pay more than about $150 each.

From Rockauto:

BOSCH Part # 15730 More Info {OE SmartLink - Universal Fit}
Downstream; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles
Upstream; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles

Part Image
$48.79 $0.00 $48.79

The above are the ones I bought. No bueno.

ACDELCO Part # 2132908 More Info {#19107252}
SENSOR,HTD OXY(POSN 1) IN EXH MANIFOLD/CROSSOVER-4 WIRE

Part Image
$109.79 $0.00 $109.79
Add to Cart
DELPHI Part # ES20222

$130.79 $0.00 $130.79
Add to Cart
BECK/ARNLEY Part # 1564395
DIRECT FIT,Pre Catalytic Converter
DIRECT FIT,Post Catalytic Converter

$149.79 $0.00 $149.79
Add to Cart
ACDELCO Part # 2134632 {#19239900}
SENSOR,HTD OXY(POSN 3) POST CONVERTER-4 WIRE
SENSOR,HTD OXY(POSN 1) PRE CONVERTER, 4 WIRE
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 5 business days

$137.79 $0.00 $137.79
Add to Cart
DENSO Part # 2344457
Wire Length 24.45; # of Wires 4; O.E. Quality Replacement Sensor; Rear
Wire Length 24.45; # of Wires 4; O.E. Quality Replacement Sensor; Front
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 2 business days

$159.79 $0.00 $159.79
Add to Cart
BOSCH Part # 13878 More Info {OE Type - Exact Fit}
Downstream; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles
Upstream; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 4 business days

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[Kiel]

I'd buy the fancy OE fit expensive Bosch or the Denso. I thought the rule was Bosch for German cars?

[camshaftprelube]

I have no faith in any Bosch O2 sensor right now.

I think the OE ones were NTK or something like that.

[Kiel]

Well the OE fit > the universal one. I've heard of a fair amount of issues with the universal one but the OE fit ones have worked just fine for me in three cars including my current one. I think they're the same as Denso or something actually.

[jamesfacts]

Originally Posted by Kiel

I'd buy the fancy OE fit expensive Bosch or the Denso. I thought the rule was Bosch for German cars?

Isn't a Mini German?

[camshaftprelube]

The universal ones came with a pretty impressive waterproof splicing kit. I have a hard time believing that was the issue. So, what makes the Bosch direct fit so much better than the Universal?

[Kiel]

Originally Posted by camshaftprelube

The universal ones came with a pretty impressive waterproof splicing kit. I have a hard time believing that was the issue. So, what makes the Bosch direct fit so much better than the Universal?

As far as I know, it's not just the plug but on some models the sensor tip is a different/more specific shape or position. I THINK. I cannot confirm this with anything other than a "that would make sense" pile of logic. I do not sell Bosch***8482; brand Quality OEM Replacement Oxygen Sensors (with a 100,000 mile warranty, call your local dealer today!).

No but really, I don't. I just always thought Bosch was good stuff for the Deutschmobiles.

[WhyHelloOfficer]

Originally Posted by camshaftprelube

I have no faith in any Bosch O2 sensor right now.

I think the OE ones were NTK or something like that.

I swear by the NTK/NGK O2 sensors.
Have had great experiences with them.

[camshaftprelube]

The sensor tip on the universal is certainly different than the OE. Didn't think that would be a problem, but I could be wrong.

[camshaftprelube]

The NGK is winning.

[Kiel]

Originally Posted by camshaftprelube

The sensor tip on the universal is certainly different than the OE. Didn't think that would be a problem, but I could be wrong.

I think it just changes where in the stream it does its sniffing and on some cars, it matters. I'd say give the OE Bosch a try and if it doesn't work, I'll rob a hobo for you.

And like I said, I think the Bosch one I got for my WRX was actually a Denso unit (or at least they looked 100% indentical) so I'd put my money on that one too, as long as it's OE fit.

[WeldingHank]

what was the code you got? the exact number

[camshaftprelube]

Originally Posted by WeldingHank

what was the code you got? the exact number

Don't remember.

[Davenow]

off topic is definitely the best place to post this.

[camshaftprelube]

Originally Posted by Davenow

off topic is definitely the best place to post this.

I agree.