BMW 2500 License Plate Bulb Size

The BMW 2500 license plate light requires a bulb with the specific 1895 size. Data for the bulb requirements covers the range from 1969 through 1971.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
1969-1971	1895

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T5). 12V, 0.9W.	1895

The BMW 2500 uses the 1895 bulb for its license plate lighting across the 1969-1971 model years.
The 1895 is classified as a T5 miniature wedge bulb, a form factor defined by a tubular glass envelope approximately 5/8 of an inch wide with a wedge-style base that seats directly into a socket without a separate metal cap.
The 1895 operates at 12 volts and draws 0.9 watts, placing it among the lowest-wattage bulbs in automotive applications.
The 1895 carries ANSI standardization recognized in both the United States and Canada, meaning the designation refers to a consistent set of electrical and physical characteristics across manufacturers.
The wedge base design of the 1895 means the filament leads themselves form the electrical contacts, making the bulb non-interchangeable with bayonet or festoon socket types without an adapter.