SES Light
 

Hey Everyone, long story short, the SES light is on and I went to AutoZone for code read. Looks like its the passenger side oxygen sensor (before the CAT). I'm just wondering, assuming it is truly the O2 sensor and nothing else, how long can I drive in this condition? To me, it seems the truck is running just fine - starts strong, idles fine, has full power on acceleration, etc.

Thanks to all who answer!

If the O2 sensor is allowing the engine to run rich, it will shorten the life of the convertor. By how much, I can't say, but I wouldn't let the condition go very long.

2002 X5 3.0 324,600 miles
2014 428i 28,000 miles

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

1970 Firebird - Under restoration

02 sensor rarely go bad. They just report that something else is wrong. Either the mixture is too rich or too lean. A too rich mixture will kill the cats. That will be a very expensive fix. A too lean mixture may burn a valve, that is also a very expensive fix later on. My advice either get it fix or park it.

Fix the O2 so you dont ruin the cat

Get a Bluetooth scanner and the app Torque and monitor the voltage for the 02 sensors. If the voltage is varying as they should, the 02 sensors are good. Do some research and learn how to fix the BMW or just take it in and let a tech fix the BMW.