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Knock Off or "Compatible" Bosch Wideband Sensors

Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:23 pm
by DelSolid
The wideband sensor world has been pretty lucky to have avoided the knock off sensor problem that plagues the other sensor types commonly used in the automotive aftermarket. Who knows how many “GM” 3-Bar MAP sensors and Coolant Temp sensors actually come from no name shops overseas with really garbage quality control (spoiler: most of them). Thankfully if you buy a Bosch 4.2 or 4.9, they really are likely to have been manufactured by Bosch and are not cheap knockoffs. But since the sensors cost a lot and everybody seems to want to save a dime, I have always figured the fakes would show up sooner or later. We buy direct from Bosch so I am not worried about our source but we do get a lot of sensors sent in to us to check out from users or dealers who think they may have stumbled across a really “good deal”. I have recently had a sensor come across my desk claiming to be compatible with the Bosch LSU 4.2 sensor. Specifically, they are supposed to be replacements for the Bosch 0 258 007 366, which is the sensor we used to use on our 4.2 based device.

These units state they are “Manufactured to meet or exceed OEM Specifications”. The instructions that come in the box are generic and are actually for a narrow band, 4 wire sensor and don’t even apply to the sensor in the box.
The sensor itself looks reasonable and might pass for a wideband Bosch sensor if you were not familiar with them. The sensor does not say Bosch on it, so it is not a “knock-off” but it does have “0 258 007 366” etched on it.
But there are issues.

1. It has the wrong style connector on it. It specifically calls itself a “0 258 007 366” which is a Bosch P/N for a LSU 4.2 with the square connector. The connector on this one is the larger oval connector that comes on some 4.2’s as well. So it’s configured incorrectly right out of the gate. The connector is also a copy, not a genuine Bosch connector, but at least it does plug into the oval 4.2 connector mate.
conn1.jpg
2. Trim Resistor. I was pretty surprised that it had the trim resistor built into the connector and figured that this could bode well for this sensor. A company that was doing this must be a step above their counterparts, right? Wrong.
trim.jpg
I just about choked on my cheerios when I pried the cap off the trim resistor cover. I should have known when I realized the cover was glued on that what was underneath was something I was not supposed to see. But I didn’t expect a trim pot, hand soldered in place. Not exactly the laser trimmed resistor in the Bosch unit. So much for “Manufactured to meet or exceed OEM Specifications”.

3. Sensing Element. I cut the protection tubes off the unit, really not having any idea what I was going to find. I was surprised (pleasantly?) to find an actual ceramic planar element. It is physically different size and shape than the genuine Bosch 4.2 (and it’s slightly curved) but at least it appears to be using the same or similar technology.
Cell.jpg
Cell2.jpg
Genuine cell dimensions (1.8mm thick, 4.4mm wide, 17mm long), Ceramic volume 135mm^3
“Compatible” cell dimensions (1.1mm thick, 4.2mm wide, 15mm long), Ceramic volume 69mm^3
The different ceramic properties probably means that the heating response will be different between the units and a heater PID tuned for one will not be optimal for the other.

Measured heater resistance at room temp;
Genuine sensor heater resistance at room temp = 3.0 Ohms
“Compatible” sensor heater resistance at room temp = 3.8 Ohms

So the current on the heater will be less, but that may be a good thing since the thermal mass of the element will be less as well. Actually, the element on the “compatible” appears to be more closely related to a 4.9 than a 4.2. But if your system expects a 4.2 then giving it the heater properties of a 4.9 may cause some issues.

When I get the additional sensor, I will attempt to make it work and see what it does.

Re: Knock Off or "Compatible" Bosch Wideband Sensors

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 7:55 am
by Fred
Thanks for posting this! And: LOL @ the trim pot, very Image :-)

Re: Knock Off or "Compatible" Bosch Wideband Sensors

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 11:01 pm
by AiToR51
ouch, I had a problem with my LC1 wideband and bought a replacement.. it was cheap.. I will check the resistor prior use.