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Exclusive Bosch Connector System Expands Oxygen Sensor Coverage

Many different vehicles use oxygen sensors that are functionally identical but differ slightly in the electrical connector. Bosch, the company that invented automotive oxygen sensor technology nearly 40 years ago, now offers an exclusive system of oxygen sensors with "pigtails" that allow a small number of these sensors to be fitted to a large number of vehicles, with identical-to-OE performance, the company says.
By Shop Owner Staff
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Many different vehicles use oxygen sensors that are functionally identical but differ slightly in the electrical connector. Bosch, the company that invented automotive oxygen sensor technology nearly 40 years ago, now offers an exclusive system of oxygen sensors with “pigtails” that allow a small number of these sensors to be fitted to a large number of vehicles, with identical-to-OE performance, the company says.

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Dubbed “OE SmartLink,” this patented oxygen sensor connector system allows 14 OEM-specific, heated oxygen sensors to cover up to 96.2 percent of all vehicle applications by simply installing the patented connector system on the existing wire harness. According to Bosch, the OE SmartLink system increases the likelihood that a repair shop or auto parts store will be able to meet a customer’s need quickly, while reducing the amount of inventory required to do so.

The OE SmartLink system includes a premium, OEM-specific, heated oxygen sensor that comes standard with a 24-inch wire harness. The 24-inch extra-length harness allows for added replacement of any worn wire from the existing OE sensor harness, the company points out, and the patented connector comes in an easy to use kit that contains all the necessary components to do the job right.

The OE SmartLink system features an exclusive waterproof connector body that is fully submersible and is also resistant to car wash and roadside spray, Bosch says, especially important in geographic areas that experience harsh climate conditions.

Many DIYers, and even some professional technicians, may not be aware that oxygen sensors work by comparing oxygen in the exhaust stream with the oxygen present in ambient or ‘reference’ air. And in many applications, this reference air is actually drawn from the ECM or the vehicle’s cockpit through the oxygen sensor’s wiring harness. The OE SmartLink system is designed to accommodate this feature.

The rugged OE SmartLink connectors have been designed and tested to rigorous USCAR standards, and are resistant to vibration, temperature extremes and thermal shock, according to Bosch.

“Bosch’s OE SmartLink system allows auto parts wholesalers, retailers and repair shops to optimize their oxygen sensor inventory while offering traditional Bosch quality and durability,” said Sean Lappin, product manager, Engine Management Products for Bosch. “OE SmartLink applications are designed to ensure that the sensor used provides exact OE function without compromise.”

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When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

By Art Blumenthal
Leveraging more than 30 years of experience as both an aftermarket business owner and aftermarket technology executive, Art Blumenthal LLC provides business intermediary and advisory services to both buyers and sellers of industry businesses of all sizes. Art is a member of IBBA (International Business Brokers Association, Inc.). For more information, or to initiate a no-obligation confidential consultation, visit www.art-blumenthal.com.
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Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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