Oxygen sensors constantly monitor engine emissions and relays this data to the DME. Using these readings the computer determines the proper air/fuel mixture as well as how efficiently the catalyst system is functioning. Symptoms of a failed oxygen sensor range from an EML to poor fuel economy and severe loss of power. A failed upstream sensor will typically cause the engine to run poorly and a failed downstream sensor will typically present as a catalyst efficiency code.
The oxygen sensor is vital to the performance and drivability of your car. The engine computer relies on data from the sensor to make adjustments in engine efficiency and performance. When your BMW oxygen sensor fails, the computer can no longer sense the air/fuel ratio, so it ends up guessing -- resulting in poor performance, poor gas mileage, and increased pollution. Make sure your BMW engine performs as it should, and doesn't use more fuel than it needs to, by simply changing your oxygen sensor today. There is no lifespan on O2 sensors but there are several fault codes that indicate a failed sensor (O2 monitoring, cat efficiency, O2 heating circuit, O2 readiness, and others). The O2 sensor is heated and has a self-calibration feature so once you get the codes or feel performance has suffered, a new sensor is a good starting point to get you back to peak performance. This oxygen sensor is located in the rear position of the exhaust manifold
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