The Mercedes-Benz 560SL uses an H5001 bulb size for high beam headlights and an H5006 bulb size for low beam headlights. The replacement chart covers 1986 to 1989 model 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 Mercedes-Benz 560SL uses two distinct sealed beam headlight units across its 1986-1989 model years: the H5001 for high beam and the H5006 for low beam.
Both the H5001 and H5006 are ANSI-standardized sealed beam units, meaning they conform to a fixed North American specification used across multiple vehicle manufacturers, not a proprietary Mercedes-Benz design.
The H5001 is a 4-inch square sealed beam unit operating at 12V. Because it is a sealed beam, the lens, reflector, and filament are fused into a single glass envelope, and the entire unit is replaced when the filament fails.
The H5006 is a 5.75-inch round sealed beam unit, also operating at 12V and also replaced as a complete unit rather than by an internal bulb.
The physical difference between the two units, one square and one round, means the H5001 and H5006 are not interchangeable with each other, as each occupies a distinct housing position in the headlight assembly.
ANSI standardization for both units means that aftermarket or replacement sealed beams from other manufacturers conforming to the H5001 or H5006 designation are generally compatible, provided they meet the same voltage and form factor.
Both units are specified for use in the United States and Canada, reflecting North American sealed beam regulations that were in effect during the 560SL production period.