I need to replace the upstream, i.e. pre-cat, o2 sensor. One supplier lists some (e.g. Bosch) as "OE Type," and others (e.g. Denso) as "OE Style." What should I get? Does it make any difference? TIA. 2000 OBW, 4cyl, automatic trans., 155k.

Edited January 2, 201214 yr by J A Blazer
typo

various opinions here. some say OEM only, some say that or Bosch....some say who cares.

 

i'd leans towards OEM or the OEM brand (Bosch i think?) the newer the car is - like 2000+. prior to that i might drift more depending on the vehicle, condition, issues, etc.

Thanks; on RockAuto the Bosch (OE 'type') is $23 cheaper than Denso (OE 'Style').

Also, I realize that at least for my car, the upstream sensor is technically referred to as an "air/fuel sensor". But I still don't understand why the dealer wants three times the price at which I can get it online.

Edited January 2, 201214 yr by J A Blazer
clarification

OE type/style probably means the sensor comes with the connector, so you won't need to splice the cables (desirable). I thought OEM was Denso, though ...

But I still don't understand why the dealer wants three times the price . . . .

 

I'll give you 3 guesses . . . and the first two don't count!

I've had 'some' luck when showing local dealer an online price and asking how close they can get. Matched one time, and close enough at a different instance. With shipping vs sales tax - you still need to watch the bottom number.

Thanks folks. Still unclear - who is the OE manufacturer of the a/f sensor?

I just replaced the upstream O2 on my 2000 OBW with manual trans. The old one said Denso, and the new one from Subaru said Denso.

But I still don't understand why the dealer wants three times the price at which I can get it online.

 

A: Because they can get away with it! Most of the parts in these (and most) cars are off-the-shelve components, packaged in nicely stamped boxes (or bags), but since people don't know better they end up paying big money for anything.

 

Case in point: the bulbs for the dashboard are 50 cents a pop at Digikey (and they are already making a profit), while the same bulb at a dealer is $3 or so. Of course they need to pay for the B&M store, but come on...

When I changed mine about 3 months ago I used the Denso one on rockauto.. the one that is the OE one direct fit.

 

It's perfect.. I still have the old one sitting on my desk funny thing is the sensor was fine but it was worth it to replace it anyways after 233K