BMW Motorcycle R1200CL headlight bulbs utilize an H1 size for high beam and 9003 size for low beam applications. The replacement chart covers 2002 to 2006 model production years with corresponding bulb size specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The BMW Motorcycle R1200CL uses the H1 bulb for the high beam headlight across all model years from 2002-2006. The H1 is a single-filament halogen bulb operating at 12V and 55W, fitted with a P14.5s base and rated under the ECE standard, which is recognized in Europe, the US, Japan, and other markets worldwide.
The low beam headlight on the R1200CL uses the 9003 bulb for all years from 2002-2006. The 9003 is a dual-filament halogen bulb governed by the ANSI standard, primarily used in the US and Canada, and operates at 12V with a 60W high beam filament and a 55W low beam filament, fitted with a P43t base.
The high beam and low beam positions on the R1200CL use different bulb types with different base fittings. The H1 carries a P14.5s base while the 9003 carries a P43t base, making the two bulbs physically incompatible with each other's sockets.
Because the H1 is single-filament and the 9003 is dual-filament, the two bulbs serve structurally distinct roles. The H1 is dedicated solely to the high beam function, while the 9003 handles both filament states within the low beam housing, though only the low beam filament is active in that position on the R1200CL.
The H1 and 9003 bulbs differ in wattage output. The H1 draws a fixed 55W, whereas the 9003 draws up to 60W on its high beam filament and 55W on its low beam filament, reflecting the higher power demand typically associated with dual-filament designs.
Both the H1 and 9003 operate on a 12V electrical system, which is consistent with standard motorcycle electrical architecture and confirms direct compatibility with the R1200CL's onboard voltage supply without the need for additional conversion hardware.