BMW 528i Dome Light Bulb Size

The BMW 528i dome light uses bulb sizes 12961 and 6411 according to the provided specifications for the interior lighting components. Data for the bulb sizes covers the range from 1979 to 2016 without any additional information provided.

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
2008-2016	12961
1997-2000	6411
1979-1981	6411

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 36mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 5W.	6411

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The BMW 528i dome light specifications reference two distinct bulb types across the listed model years: the 12961 and the 6411.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb with a T10 form factor and a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The T10 wedge base on the 12961 uses a pinch-style connection, where the glass envelope itself forms the base contact, requiring no separate metal cap.
The 6411 follows the ANSI standard recognized in the US and Canada, taking the form of a festoon bulb with a 36mm length and an SV8.5 base, also rated at 12V and 5W.
A festoon bulb with an SV8.5 base makes contact at both ends of the bulb body, a mounting style physically incompatible with a wedge socket.
Despite sharing the same voltage and wattage ratings, the 12961 and 6411 use entirely different base types and are not interchangeable with one another.
The BMW 528i (2008-2016) uses the 12961 bulb for the dome light position.
The 6411 is specified for the dome light position across the 1979-1981 and 1997-2000 model years.