service engine light on - indicator is o2 sensor. big deal???

[marcx5]

i went to autozone and borrowed their computer thing to find out why my service engine light was on. the machine indicated it was an o2 sensor.

is this a big deal or expensive to fix?? does it NEED to be fixed?

i'm thinking of getting the 2007 x5... so if i can wait and not put more money into my old car, i'd prefer that.

thoughts?

thanks.

[CanadianX5]

Costed me about 350 Cnd to change my O2 sensor.
You don't have to change it but if something else goes wrong the SES light will already be on.
I wouldnt go for more than 2 months without fixing the problem if your trading it in.

[marcx5]

i guess i could go to autozone once a month and make sure nothing else is showing up on the computer??

[Eurosport]

well even though oxygen sensor is something minor, it still lights up your check engine light, might scare potential buyers, up to you what you do

[bjo]

Bad O2 sensors can cause your x5 to run rich which can eventually ruin your catalytic convertors. It might scare off buyers or make the dealer give you less for your trade.

[Quicksilver]

What year is your vehicle?

Originally Posted by marcx5

i went to autozone and borrowed their computer thing to find out why my service engine light was on. the machine indicated it was an o2 sensor.

is this a big deal or expensive to fix?? does it NEED to be fixed?

i'm thinking of getting the 2007 x5... so if i can wait and not put more money into my old car, i'd prefer that.

thoughts?

thanks.

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

What year is your vehicle?

2002. 4.4 with SP and 95,000 miles.

why?

[LVR]

Originally Posted by marcx5

i went to autozone and borrowed their computer thing to find out why my service engine light was on. the machine indicated it was an o2 sensor.

is this a big deal or expensive to fix?? does it NEED to be fixed?

i'm thinking of getting the 2007 x5... so if i can wait and not put more money into my old car, i'd prefer that.

thoughts?

thanks.

Have you taken it for a couple of drives since the light came on? Mine did the same thing, and it turned out to be the sensor had detected that I had started it, moved it out the driveway, then later did the same thing to move it back. as I hadn't allowed it to warm up, it runs very rich while cold and this set off the sensor as it was detecting bad emissions (ie too much petrol in the exhaust )... took it for a drive and then the next day it was gone. Just a thought......

[Quicksilver]

When you ask a question the more info you provide the easier to answer the question.

Originally Posted by marcx5

2002. 4.4 with SP and 95,000 miles.

why?