BMW Motorcycle R850C headlight bulbs utilize a 9003 size for both high and low beam functions. The replacement chart covers 1996 to 2001 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 R850C uses the 9003 bulb for both high beam and low beam headlight positions across all listed model years, 1996-2001.
The 9003 is a dual-filament halogen bulb, meaning a single bulb unit contains two separate filaments to serve both the high and low beam functions within one housing.
The 9003 operates at 12 volts, with the high beam filament rated at 60 watts and the low beam filament rated at 55 watts.
The 9003 uses a P43t base, which is a bayonet-style mount with a 43mm flange. This base type determines physical fitment and is not interchangeable with other base configurations.
The 9003 is an ANSI-standardized bulb type recognized in the United States and Canada. It is functionally equivalent to the H4 bulb used under international IEC standards, though the designations originate from different standardization bodies.
Because the same 9003 bulb specification applies to both beam positions for all six model years, a single replacement bulb type serves the entire headlight assembly of the R850C throughout its listed production run.