The Mercedes-Benz E320 parking light utilizes bulb sizes 12961, 2357NA, H6W, and P21/5W across various production periods. Available information covers the specific range from 1994 through 2009.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz E320 front parking light specifications cover model years 1994 through 2009, with three distinct bulb types appearing across that span: the 12961, the H6W, and the P21/5W, plus a conditional fitment for the 2357NA in 2007.
The 12961 is a Philips-designated miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 5W, and fitted with a W2.1x9.5d base. It is the most frequently specified bulb across these listings, covering model years 2003-2009 in the primary front parking light position.
The H6W follows the ECE standard and carries a BAX9s base, a single-filament construction, and a 12V, 6W rating. It is specified for the E320 across model years 1996-2002, making it the second most recurring bulb type in these specifications.
The BAX9s base used by the H6W is offset, meaning the two pins are at unequal distances from the bulb axis. This design prevents incorrect installation and is not interchangeable with standard BA9s bases.
The P21/5W is an ECE-standard dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base, rated at 12V with filaments drawing 21W and 5W respectively. It is specified for the 1994-1995 model years.
The 2357NA is an ANSI-standard dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base and natural amber glass, rated at 12V with filaments drawing 26.9W and 8W. It is specified exclusively for the 2007 E320 front parking light in one of the two listed fitment sets.
In the 2007 model year, two different front parking light bulbs are listed: the 12961 and the 2357NA. The 2357NA carries no conditional note in the specifications, while the 12961 does not appear in the 2007 row of the second fitment set, indicating these represent separate configurations rather than alternatives for the same assembly.
For the 2008-2009 model years, the 12961 is listed with the qualifier "With Halogen Capsule Headlamps" in the second fitment set, indicating that headlamp type is a relevant variable for correct bulb selection in those years.
The P21/5W and the 2357NA both use the BAY15d bayonet base, but they are not interchangeable. The P21/5W follows ECE standards with a 21W/5W output, while the 2357NA follows ANSI standards with a 26.9W/8W output and amber-tinted glass, producing different light output and color characteristics.
The transition from H6W to 12961 between the 2002 and 2003 model years represents a change in both base type and bulb standard, from the ECE BAX9s format to a wedge-base T10 format, meaning the two bulb types are physically incompatible with each other's sockets.