What Causes Oxygen Sensor to Fail in BMW X5?

BMW X5 is one of the top-rated midsize SUVs. Features like an efficient engine, large cargo area, attractive interior, and user-friendly infotainment system have made it a market leader. The owner of such a unique vehicle should be aware of the basic car maintenance tricks to prolong its lifespan. The onboard computer or engine control unit (ECU) of BMW X5 regulates the performance of its engine. It relies on different types of sensors to gather the required data to keep the engine operational. It uses the output of different types of sensors like mass airflow sensor, oxygen sensor, spark knock sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft position sensor, and other crucial sensors to keep the engine operational.

Errors in the data provided by those sensors could affect the performance of your BMW X5. So, the condition of the above-mentioned sensors should be inspected regularly and defective sensors should be replaced to keep the engine functional. The oxygen sensor which is also known as the lambda sensor measures the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas. The data provided by this sensor helps the ECU to adjust the air to fuel ratio within the combustion chamber of the engine. By doing so, it regulates the power output of your BMW X5. Failure of such a vital sensor could cause irreparable damages to the engine. So, warning symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor in your BMW X5 should not be ignored. Timely action should be taken to prevent any major mechanical failure which might cost you a lot.

Symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor

You should be aware of the early warning signs of a failing oxygen sensor in your BMW X5. Check engine light illumination, bad fuel economy, poor engine performance, and emission-related issues are some of the crucial warning signs of a defective oxygen sensor. The emergence of such kinds of early warning symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor should not be neglected. Moreover, you should also conduct visual inspections to evaluate the condition of different types of sensors including the oxygen sensor. Such kinds of inspections could be helpful for you to detect faulty components in the system. Defective oxygen sensor should be replaced immediately to keep the engine of your BMW X5 operational.

Causes of oxygen sensor failure

Failure of the oxygen sensor could adversely affect the performance of your vehicle and could even bring your BMW X5 to a halt in the middle of nowhere. So, defective oxygen sensors should be replaced. Have a look at the factors responsible for the failure of the oxygen sensor in your car:

Contamination:

Byproducts of internal combustion could damage the oxygen sensor of your vehicle. Contaminants like sulfur, lead, motor oil, and unburned hydrocarbons could damage the oxygen sensor in your BMW X5. Moreover, extreme heat generation due to internal combustion could also damage the electrodes of the oxygen sensor. So, contaminants and heat generated due to the process of internal combustion are solely responsible for the failure of the oxygen sensor in a car. Moreover, the use of low-quality gasoline could speed up the oxygen sensor failure in your BMW X5. So, the condition of the oxygen sensor should be inspected regularly and efforts should be made to keep those components clean. Besides, you should only use gasoline that is recommended for your vehicle.

Aging:

Nothing lasts forever. Different types of electrical equipment and sensors used in your BMW X5 degrade over time and should be replaced after a particular time interval. The extreme heat generated due to internal combustion and heavy contamination catalyzes the degradation process. An old oxygen sensor could not do its job efficiently and provides wrong readings to the engine control unit. Errors in the data provided by an old oxygen sensor could kill the engine of your BMW X5. So, old and defective sensors should be replaced to keep the engine operational.

Wrapping up

Oxygen sensor assists the ECU to regulate the air to fuel ratio within the combustion chamber of the engine. Failure of such a vital component could kill the engine of your BMW X5. So, the emergence of different types of early warning signs which shows that oxygen sensors of your vehicle have some defects should not be neglected. Reasons for the failure of such crucial components should be identified and efforts should be made to fix those problems in order to keep the vehicle operational.

A & M auto serives are a full service automotive repair and maintenance facility serving the Charlotte, Pineville, Matthews, and Ballantyne areas with many years of consistent, high quality, friendly service.