I just installed a Bosch premium O2 sensor in my '89, and I noticed a significant improvement... I can't speak of the reliability as I only had it for a few days, during which I found out that a number of Bonneville owners have been complaining about these sensors. I was just interested in seeing what people have experienced when running a bosch sensor on their '87 - 91 bonne.

Its not recommened to put Bosch on GM cars, your best bet is stock AC Delco or the higher up NGK Iridiums same goes with sensors, heard a lot about bad Bosch sensors. Dont be disappointed when/if the Bosch gives out sooner then expected.

General rule of thumb, if it involves sparking and sensing, and you have a GM, best off to to stay with stock parts. Unless you are heavily modded, then, colder plugs are better. Sorry to break it to ya, but, thats the way it goes.

You should be ok with the Bosch, for now, just try and remember for the future.

Have really seen no difference between Bosch and GM O2 sensors. Biggest issue is that the Bosch is quite a bit taller so to remove the #6 (rear driver'* side) plug you need to remove the sensor first. It is also a tight fit (wire makes a "U") in my slotted socket.

I notice alot of ppl try to go WAY too far on some parts then recommended ... the new bosch sensors are supposed to be ALOT better then their older sensors

couple things I notice ppl try to go too far on and the reccommended time/mileage they should

- spark plugs - I've seen ppl go 3-4 years on a set of plugs amd bitch when they need a new set .. your only supposed to go 30,000 miles or 2 years on a set of plugs (unless platinum ofcourse, but even then you should be checking them by this point atleast... dealership I worked at we had to get a set of heads sent away for major work cause 6 or 8 plugs BROKE fused to the head, cause they were never touched)

- 02 sensors - another one that'* very commonly overlooked - 60,000 miles or 4 years...

I dunno bout your guys but I've been known to knock off 60K in about 2 years or less (school was 60 miles each direction... and last year I was driving 100-120 miles each direct for work)

I'm not saying in anyway I'm a saint for replacing sensors or even oil changes on time (this has changed since spending time in a dealership shop) .. but I do try to atleast CHECK normal tuneup parts atleast every season change

as you start moding your car for more power and such ... you'll notice stuff starts to wear out earlier too. alot of this is old news to ppl that have been in the game for awhile but it'* one of those things that happens to be in the back of some ppls minds.

We've had over 50 people have premature failures (less than 30 days) with Bosch O2'*. We've also had similar instances of premature Bosch Plug and plug wire failures.

I've been there myself. My new Bosch O2 never achieved (or gained back) all my mileage. It puked 30 days later, and I replaced it with an AC Delco. There are COUNTLESS posts just like this on this forum.

Anyone considering the Bosch O2 sensor should be willing to take the risk, and be prepared to change it out prematurely. There'* just something about our 3800'* that they don't like.

One classic example was a member here (I'm not mentioning his name). His Father was an Engineer for Bosch, and he defended these O2 sensors to the end on his Father'* behalf. Until he discovered that they are INDEED crappola. He posted a retraction to his defense of them.

I wish that the ac delco o2'* were cheaper.. Too bad, guess you pay for reliability


-justin

I guess I should clarify... I'm not defending the bosch 02'* .. I'm just saying their brand new generation of 02'* are supposed to be ALOT better then their older sensors...

time will tell I guess...

New generation as of when ?

stay totally away from bosch sensors i seen a lot come back to napa for gm cars they dont like them

out of desparation ibought a Bosch o2 sensor for my '87 and its been almost a year and I've had no problems. I don't know if my old (original stock sensor) was bad but since i failed emissions i figured 18 bucks for a new o2 wouldn't hurt. I haven't had any problems unless of course I never got the gas mileage i back that i was owed by a new o2 sensor.. but i seem to get about the same mileage my car supposedly got back in '87 so i have no probs with this o2 sensor.. Bosch plugs of course are a no-no (unless you go all out and get the platinum +4 plugs which are ~$6.00 us a piece and not worth it cuz $1.00 ac delcos work just as well!

Mike Diaz

p.*. it'* not just our cars that bosch plugs suck on, they suck on most nissans too (i got some ricer cousins who hear it a alot on their forum, plus i've put them in my mom'* car myself and returned them shortly after).