BMW M3 License Plate Bulb Size

The BMW M3 license plate light uses a DE3423 bulb size for the specific lighting component located at the rear of the vehicle. Available data for the bulb covers the range from 1988 to 2008.

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 Type	Shop
2008	DE3423	Check Price
2001-2006	DE3423	Check Price
1995-1999	DE3423	Check Price
1988-1991	DE3423	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The BMW M3 uses the DE3423 bulb for the license plate position across all years listed in the specifications, spanning 1988-2008.
The DE3423 is a festoon-type bulb, meaning it is cylindrical in shape with metal end caps on each side that serve as the electrical contacts, rather than a traditional screw or bayonet base.
The DE3423 has a physical length of 41mm, which is a standard festoon size widely used in automotive interior and exterior lighting applications.
The bulb operates at 12 volts, consistent with the standard electrical system voltage found in passenger vehicles.
The DE3423 designation follows ANSI standards, indicating it meets the specifications recognized in the United States and Canada for bulb classification and performance.
Because the DE3423 uses end-cap contacts, the socket design in the BMW M3 (1988-2008) is specific to festoon-style fitment and is not compatible with bayonet or wedge-base bulb types.
The 41mm festoon length is a critical fitment factor. A festoon bulb of a different length, such as 36mm or 44mm, would not seat correctly in the license plate socket and could result in poor contact or failure to illuminate.