Mercedes-Benz S350 Map Light Bulb Size

The Mercedes-Benz S350 map light requires bulb size 12961 or H6W depending on the specific application. Data for the bulb sizes covers the range from 2006 to 2013.

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 Size
2012-2013	12961
2006	H6W

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with BAX9s base. 12V, 6W.	H6W

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Mercedes-Benz S350 map light uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the 12961 (T10 wedge) for 2012-2013 and the H6W for 2006.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designation for a miniature T10 wedge bulb operating at 12V and 5W, fitted with a W2.1x9.5d base.
The W2.1x9.5d base is a wedge-type connector where the bulb's glass envelope itself forms the contact points, requiring no separate metal base pins.
The H6W is an ECE-standard bulb, meaning it conforms to European and international automotive lighting regulations, and operates at 12V and 6W with a BAX9s base.
The BAX9s base uses offset pins to ensure correct polarity orientation during installation, which distinguishes it from symmetrical bayonet bases that allow rotation in either direction.
The 12961 and H6W are not interchangeable. Their base types, W2.1x9.5d and BAX9s respectively, are physically incompatible with each other's sockets.
The wattage difference between the two bulb types is minor at 1W, with the H6W drawing slightly more power than the 12961.