Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG License Plate Bulb Size

The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG license plate requires bulb sizes 12961 and DE3423 for the exterior lighting system. Data for the specified vehicle covers the range from 2005 to 2014.

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
2008-2014	12961	Check Price
2005-2006	DE3423	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG uses two distinct bulb types for the license plate position across its production span, with the specific type depending on the model year.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12 volts and 5 watts.
The T10 wedge format uses a plastic wedge base with embedded wire contacts, which locks into the socket without a separate bayonet or screw mechanism.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, rated at 12 volts, and is recognized across the US and Canadian markets.
A festoon bulb makes electrical contact through metal caps at each end of the cylindrical glass tube, requiring a spring-clip holder rather than a wedge or bayonet socket.
The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG for model years 2008-2014 specifies the 12961 bulb for the license plate position.
The 2005-2006 CL65 AMG specifies the DE3423 festoon bulb for the same license plate position.
The T10 wedge socket used in 2008-2014 models is physically incompatible with the spring-clip festoon holder used in 2005-2006 models, making the two bulb types non-interchangeable between those year groups.
Both bulb types operate on a 12-volt electrical system, which is standard for automotive applications in this class of vehicle.
The wattage for the DE3423 is not specified in the provided data, whereas the 12961 is explicitly rated at 5 watts.