BMW 3.0 Dome Light Bulb Size

The BMW 3.0 dome light bulb uses a 97 size specification for this particular fixture. The replacement chart covers vehicle production spanning 1971 to 1974.

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
1971-1974	97

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The BMW 3.0 uses the ANSI-standard bulb type 97 for the dome light across the 1971-1974 model years.
The type 97 bulb operates on a 12-volt electrical system and draws 13 watts, placing it in the low-wattage range typical of interior lighting applications.
The type 97 uses a BA15s bayonet base, which is a single-contact bayonet mount with a 15mm collar width.
The type 97 is a single-filament bulb, meaning it serves one lighting function rather than switching between two brightness levels.
The type 97 is classified as a variant of the 1156 bulb. While the two share the BA15s base, they are not identical, and this distinction carries fitment implications for direct substitution.
The ANSI classification of the type 97 indicates it conforms to standardized specifications recognized in both the United States and Canada.