Differences between Bosch O2 sensors

[Girvin]

Out of pure curiousity does anyone know the difference between the Bosch Universal o2 sensors and the Bosch "OE style" sensors?

The "OE style" obviously comes with the proper connector instead of the hard wire method of the universals. I just recieved an "OE style" Bosch sensor and it looks alot different than my previous universal Bosch.

The sensor itself has a larger diameter and different ports in the sensor tip. It's as big as the sensors used in the UEGO controllers. I have checked the part number to make sure I have the right sensor and all seems to be in check.

I'll post some pics when I swap the sensors out.

 

[Girvin]

Bosch technical support was nice enough to let me in on the info. Apparently the universal sensors are a "lower grade" sensor. While the "OE style" sensors are thier premium sensors. I was told that the universals would still last 100,000kms but the premium sensor would maintain its peak performance for a longer period of time. Possibly because of the stronger filtering elements used.