The BMW 850i high beam headlight uses a 9005 bulb size while the low beam headlight requires a 9006 bulb size. The replacement chart covers 1993 to 1997 production years with corresponding bulb size specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The BMW 850i uses the 9005 bulb for high beam headlights and the 9006 bulb for low beam headlights across all model years from 1993-1997.
Both the 9005 and 9006 are single-filament halogen bulbs operating on a 12-volt electrical system, conforming to ANSI standards recognized in the United States and Canada.
The 9005 high beam bulb draws 65 watts, while the 9006 low beam bulb draws 55 watts, reflecting the lower power demand typically associated with sustained low beam operation.
The 9005 and 9006 bulbs use different base types, P20d and P22d respectively, which physically prevents cross-installation between the high and low beam sockets despite their otherwise similar construction.
Because the 9005 and 9006 share a nearly identical housing profile, some aftermarket bulbs are marketed as compatible with both positions, though the differing base specifications in these ANSI standards define them as distinct, non-interchangeable parts for the BMW 850i.