In a message dated 6/6/05 10:40:22 PM, jhecht@ALUM.MIT.EDU writes:

<< It looks like I need a new O2 sensor.  Was wondering what people think on
brands, given the really major differences in price between Bosch and others.
>>

Not necessarily true.  The differential pricing you see is not so much a
consequence of the vendor as much as it is one of the dealer.  Depending on the
source, I've seen OXS's made by aftermarket vendors sell for more than the
real-deal Bosch item.

My advice is to use a Bosch OXS.  If you are confident in making an
absolutely waterproof splice (which becomes a no-brainer with the Bosch splice kit),
use the universal Bosch part.  If not, pay the bit extra for the OE Bosch item.

The numbering of the universal Bosch OXS needs some explanation.  The Bosch
site lists the universal OXS for a 2.1L Vanagon as Part # 15735.  Whenever I
called a local parts house for one, the parts guy said that number was NG (i.e.,
"no good" in parts guy parlance).

The universal Bosch OXS with splice kit, Part # 15725, which has been
recommended by some Listers, is available from your local ADVANCE AUTO for  $58.88 .
I have found ADVANCE AUTO to be great store.  They are uniformally helpful to
a fault; the store managers seem to be a rather mechanically adept lot, as if
they spent some time in a former life skinning their knuckles; if they do not
have the part on the shelf, it will usually be there whenever they open their
doors the next morning (8:00 A.M., here); they will refund your money in full
if you are not satisfied, even if you are asinine; they do not know what a
Sunday is nor a National Holiday; and, above all, THEY ARE LOCAL.

If you want to avail yourself of the dubious convenience of internet
commerce, the Bosch universal OXS w/splice kit, Part # 15725 can be had for  $42.46
at:

http://www.1motormart.com/chrysler~dynasty_make.html

Search the site for some other minor necessity and spring for a total of $50
then the shipping will be free, or as they say in the trade, FREE!!!

In seeking a Bosch 15725, some parts merchants might have it listed as a
discontinued item.  Taking word of mouth for what it is, I have been TOLD that the
15725 number has been superseded by 15726.

George