The Mercedes-Benz 500SEC uses 9003 and H6054 bulb sizes for both high beam and low beam headlight applications, with these specifications representing the standard replacements across the model line. The replacement chart covers 1984 to 1993 production years and documents the bulb size requirements for this vehicle generation.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz 500SEC uses two distinct headlight technologies across its model years: the H6054 sealed beam unit for 1984-1985 and the 9003 dual-filament halogen bulb for 1993.
The 9003 is a dual-filament halogen bulb rated at 12V with a 60W high beam filament and a 55W low beam filament, housed in a single unit with a P43t base. Its dual-filament design means one bulb serves both the high beam and low beam functions.
The H6054 is a 5x7-inch rectangular sealed beam unit operating at 12V. Unlike a conventional replaceable bulb, the lens, reflector, and filament are fused into a single assembly, meaning the entire unit is replaced when the light fails.
On the 1993 500SEC, the 9003 bulb is specified for both the high beam and low beam positions, which is consistent with its dual-filament construction handling both functions from a single socket.
On the 1984-1985 500SEC, the H6054 is listed for both the high beam and low beam positions, reflecting the sealed beam format where the complete unit fulfills both lighting roles.
Both the 9003 and H6054 are ANSI-standard types, meaning their specifications are governed by the American National Standards Institute and are applicable in the United States and Canada.
The H6054 and 9003 are not interchangeable. The sealed beam format of the H6054 requires a housing designed to accept the full rectangular unit, while the 9003 requires a projector or reflector housing with a compatible P43t bulb socket.