BMW 323i Headlight Bulb Size

The BMW 323i high beam headlight uses H7 or 9005 bulb sizes, while low beam headlight applications require H7, D2S, or 9006 bulb sizes depending on configuration. The replacement chart covers 1998 to 2000 model years with corresponding bulb size specifications for each headlight type.

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

High Beam Headlight

If US Type and EU Type show the same value, a direct cross-reference for this bulb is not available or the data is insufficient.

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
1999-2000	H7	H7	Check Price
1998	9005	HB3	Check Price

Low Beam Headlight

If US Type and EU Type show the same value, a direct cross-reference for this bulb is not available or the data is insufficient.

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
1999-2000	H7	H7	Check Price
1999-2000	D2S (With HID Headlamps)	D2S	Check Price
1998	9006	HB4	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament halogen bulb with PX26d base. Also approved in the US and Japan. 12V, 55W.	H7	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament halogen bulb with P20d base. 12V, 65W.	9005	Check Price
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). HID (xenon) discharge bulb with P32d-2 base, for projector-type housings. Requires external ignitor. 85V, 35W.	D2S	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament halogen bulb with P22d base. 12V, 55W.	9006	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The BMW 323i uses H7 bulbs for both high beam and low beam headlights across the 1999-2000 model years. The H7 is a single-filament halogen bulb rated at 12V and 55W, built to the ECE standard used in Europe and worldwide, with a PX26d base. It also carries approval for use in the US and Japan.
The 1998 BMW 323i uses different bulb types from later model years. Its high beam position takes a 9005 bulb, while its low beam position takes a 9006 bulb. Both follow the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada.
The 9005 and 9006 are both single-filament halogen bulbs rated at 12V, though they differ in wattage. The 9005 draws 65W and uses a P20d base, while the 9006 draws 55W and uses a P22d base. These base types are not interchangeable with each other or with the H7's PX26d base.
For the 1999-2000 model years, the low beam position offers two fitment options: the H7 halogen bulb or the D2S, the latter applying only to vehicles equipped with HID headlamps.
The D2S is an HID xenon discharge bulb rated at 85V and 35W, with a P32d-2 base. It is designed specifically for projector-type housings and requires an external ignitor to operate, making it electrically and mechanically distinct from the halogen options listed in these specifications.
Because the D2S operates on a high-voltage discharge system rather than a standard 12V halogen circuit, it is not a drop-in replacement for the H7, and the two bulb types are only compatible with their respective headlamp system configurations.