Though I have not seen any empirical evidence to support it, I would think that the only difference in an O2 sensor would be the sensitivity,reaction time, and measurement range.  It makes logical sence that the less expensive units might be less sensitive and slower to react - or have a wider or narrower measurement range.

However, if you subscribe to the 'greedy corporation' theory, there may be no difference other than BOSCH can get away with charging double or triple for having a special connector. (Some additional cost might be apropriate if this is a low-volume part for BOSCH.)

What would be cool would be if someone, in the spirit of the oil filter test that was on the web, actually tested a generic aganst a vanagon o2 sensor.  Plug both of them in to measure the same stuff and see if there is any dectectible difference.

It would be a fun experiment.

Todd
'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Dustin Jones <jonesboy21@GMAIL.COM>
> So are the generic O2 sensors several list vendors sell (I bought mine from
> Bus Depot) legit or not? I've read on GoWesty that the generics do not work
> well or at all on the Vanagons and another list member told me he didn't
> have good luck with his generic either. I had a a generic Bosch installed on
> my van about 2-3 weeks ago and it really hasn't been running that good
> since. I'm wondering if I wasted money by trying to save money and will end
> up paying more in the long run when I buy the real deal. Any thoughts?
>
> http://djonesy21.blogspot.com