The Lexus ES250 side marker requires a 168 bulb size for proper installation and function within the lighting assembly. Data for the specified component covers the range from 2023 to 2024.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The two bulb types present across these specifications are the 12961 and the 168, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor and a 12-volt operating voltage.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designation for a T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 5W and fitted with a W2.1x9.5d base.
The 168 is an ANSI standard designation recognized in the United States and Canada, also a T10 miniature wedge bulb, rated at 4.9W.
Although the 12961 and 168 share the same T10 wedge body type, the 12961 carries a specific W2.1x9.5d base specification tied to its Philips designation, while the 168 is defined under a broader ANSI standard without that base callout.
The Lexus ES250 (2021-2023) uses the 12961 bulb exclusively for the front side marker position.
The 1990-1991 ES250 uses the 168 bulb for the front side marker position.
The rear side marker position on the ES250 is only specified for the 1990-1991 model years, where it also takes the 168 bulb.
The front and rear side marker positions on the 1990-1991 ES250 share the same 168 bulb, indicating interchangeability between those two positions for that generation.
The 0.1W difference between the 12961 (5W) and the 168 (4.9W) reflects a minor variance in power draw, though the two bulbs are not listed as interchangeable within these specifications.