Why does my o2 sensor have a 4 foot long wire???

[SnakeyesTx]

As the title states. I just bought one yesterday since I'm getting the o2 sensor code. I'm laying underneath the passenger side and don't see it at all which confirms my fear that its on the top half of the pipe junction before the cats. I searched around a bit and I've seen "Drop the exhaust" and "used a universal joint" so I'm going to try the latter.

Where's the wire run? To the front or to the back? Its freakin' HUGE (in length)! >.<

[JD525IA]

the O2 sensor cable plugs into another connector that is near the steering gearbox and starter. Once you have done this just once, you will find that it is acutally pretty easy. It really helps if you have the slotted socket for the sensor, since the cable is potted to the sensor.

Check out the link:

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/gen_maintenance/o2_sensor.htm

if you haven't already.

Good luck.