BMW 323i License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The DE3423 is a festoon-style bulb, meaning it is cylindrical in shape with metal contacts at each end rather than a base socket. This end-cap contact design allows the bulb to bridge two contact points within a recessed housing.
• The DE3423 measures 41mm in length, which is a standard festoon size widely used in license plate lighting applications across multiple vehicle makes.
• The bulb operates at 12 volts, consistent with the standard electrical systems found in passenger vehicles of this type.
• The DE3423 carries an ANSI designation, indicating it conforms to a standardized specification recognized in both the United States and Canada. This standardization means the bulb is widely available through North American parts suppliers.
• The BMW 323i uses the DE3423 across its 1998-2000 model years for the license plate position, reflecting consistent fitment across that production span.
• Festoon bulbs of the same length are not always interchangeable. Variations in contact style, voltage rating, or wattage among 41mm festoon bulbs can affect fitment and function even when the physical length matches.