The Mercedes-Benz 380SL uses H5001 bulbs for high beam headlights and H5006 bulbs for low beam headlights, with each size designed for specific lighting functions. The replacement chart covers 1981 to 1985 model years and documents bulb size specifications across the vehicle's production range.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz 380SL uses the H5001 bulb type for high beam headlights across all 1981-1985 model years.
The H5001 is a 4-inch square sealed beam unit operating at 12V. Because it is a sealed beam design, the entire unit is replaced rather than an internal filament or capsule.
Low beam headlights on the 1981-1985 380SL use the H5006 bulb type, which differs physically from the high beam unit.
The H5006 is a 5.75-inch round sealed beam unit, also rated at 12V and also replaced as a complete assembly rather than as an individual bulb.
Both the H5001 and H5006 conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, meaning they follow a regulated specification for size, light output, and electrical characteristics within those markets.
The square format of the H5001 and the round format of the H5006 are physically distinct, and the two units are not interchangeable with each other.