BMW 528i License Plate Bulb Size

The BMW 528i license plate light requires a DE3423 bulb size for proper illumination of the rear registration area. Data for the specified component covers the range from 1979 through 2010.

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
2008-2010	DE3423
1997-2000	DE3423
1979-1981	DE3423

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423

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Additional Notes

The BMW 528i uses the DE3423 bulb size across all listed model years for the license plate position.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standardized bulb, meaning it conforms to a defined specification recognized in both the United States and Canada.
DE3423 is a festoon-type bulb, which is a cylindrical form factor that makes contact at both ends rather than through a base socket.
The DE3423 has a length of 41mm, which is a critical fitment factor, as festoon bulbs must physically span the housing contacts to seat correctly.
End-cap contacts on the DE3423 mean the bulb conducts electricity through metal caps at each end of the tube, a design typical of festoon configurations.
The DE3423 operates at 12 volts, consistent with the standard electrical system voltage found in passenger vehicles.
The listed model years for the BMW 528i span 1979-1981 and 1997-2000 and 2008-2010, all sharing the same DE3423 specification without variation.
Because the DE3423 is an ANSI-standardized part, it is produced by multiple manufacturers, and cross-brand substitutes sharing the same 41mm festoon format are generally considered interchangeable at the specification level.