Oxygen Sensors -- change or wait for code
 

So I'm at 103k miles, nearing 104k and wondered about the O2 sensors. AFAIK they are original to the X5.

Is this something I should change proactively or just wait for a check engine light? I imagine I'll improve my gas mileage a slight amount but it'll take a lot of miles at that slightly better gas mileage to pay for four O2 sensors!

FWIW, I'll DIY it so I'm looking at my time (worthless apparently) plus just shy of $500 :wow: for the sensors.

What's the collective wisdom out there?

If it not broken don't F#@k with it. That's what my dad an ASE certified mechanic told me when I was playing with cars.

I'm at 152k with originals, worm can heard cracking:whistle::whistle::whistle::whistle::whist le:

:iagree:

There's plenty of money to be spent on maint. with these things without messing with the stuff that's working - maybe put the $500 aside "just in case" and if something else lets go first, you're covered. :D

I am on the flip side - changed mine at 100k, I like to catch things before they fail.

there a bitch to get out, cooked in. You need the "special" tool/socket

Thanks guys. I'm inclined to leave them be as I have a radio issue I'm fighting now.

FWIW, I use a crows foot wrench to get O2 sensors out and have had good luck with those on multiple vehicles. I probably should order a real O2 sensor socket (22mm?) though before I change these.

My Pre-Cat sensors had to be replaced at 260,400 miles. I only use Shell gasoline and no additional fuel additives. Apply your funds to other maintenance issues such as the CCV system and cooling system. At your vehicle age and mileage it's time for expansion tank, main hoses and belts.

2002 X5 3.0 305,200 miles
2014 428i 19,500 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

1970 Firebird Under restoration

As posted many time in the past....
Test then replace is the only real path to problem solving. O2 sensors are easy to read live through the OBD2 port and have a good soft and hard failure codes to warn you of issues.

If your ownership practices include using good gas and monitor your fuel consumption rates everything else will work as planned by the design engineers. Short trips will accelerate failure to 60/80K, while most last to 100K+

The element heaters that are built in are the first function to go bad unless the sensor tips are exposed to antifreeze, oil, or REALLY bad gasoline.

Done, done, and done. Radiator replaced too while I was in there...:rofl:

Thanks again for all the replies.

Now, I just need to figure out this radio volume issue...BM53 or Lear DSP amp? Hmmmm...:(

If you are going to replace the 02 sensor, just do what most professional mechanics would do, snip the wire and use a regular 6 point socket to remove the sensor.