Air pollution – what are the causes of it and how to get rid of it? Perhaps we
are unaware of the fact that one factor that contribute to air pollution is our
vehicles. Yes, our vehicles. Thus, to control unwanted emissions produced by our
cars, which have increased tremendously in the past decades and threatened to
destroy the environment, vehicles produced after 1980, including your BMW have
come with an oxygen sensor – an important measurement device for the fuel control
computer.
Originally called a “Lambda Sensor”, when it was first used in fuel injected
European cars, the oxygen sensor monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust so
an onboard computer can regulate the air/fuel mixture to decrease or to reduce
emissions. The speed with which the oxygen sensor reacts to oxygen changes in
the exhaust is very essential also for accurate fuel control, top fuel economy
and low emissions.
The sensing element on almost all oxygen sensors in use is a zirconium ceramic
bulb coated on both sides with a thin layer of platinum. The exterior of the bulb
is exposed to the hot exhaust gases, whereas the interior of the bulb is vented
internally through the sensor body or wiring to the outside atmosphere. Oxygen
sensors are mounted in the exhaust manifold downpipe before the catalytic converter
or between the exhaust manifolds and the catalytic converters.
In the fullness of time, your BMW oxygen sensor will stop working. As it ages,
contaminants from normal combustion and oil ash accumulate on the sensing element
which reduces the sensor’s ability to respond quickly to changes in the air/fuel
mixture. Not only that, your BMW oxygen sensor’s output voltage might not be as
high as it before, producing an inaccurate result. The result can be a richer-than-normal
air-fuel mixture in different operating conditions, which results in much higher
fuel consumption and emissions.
So, once you found out that your BMW oxygen sensor is already damaged or worn
out, replace it right away. You can easily find replacement BMW oxygen sensors
in your local auto parts dealer or by simply surfing the net.
