The Mercedes-Benz S500 front turn signal requires a 2357NA bulb size, while rear turn signals use 12496, PY21W, or P21W bulb sizes. The replacement chart covers 1995 to 2006 production 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 S500 front turn signal uses the 2357NA bulb across all listed model years from 1995 to 2006.
The 2357NA is an ANSI-standard dual-filament bulb rated at 12V with a high filament draw of 26.9W and a low filament draw of 8W, fitted with a BAY15d bayonet base and natural amber glass.
The BAY15d base on the 2357NA features two offset pins at different heights, which physically prevents incorrect installation of single-filament bulbs in its place.
The natural amber glass of the 2357NA produces its amber signal color directly from the glass coating rather than from a colored lens, a construction type designated by the "NA" suffix in the part number.
The rear turn signal position on the S500 uses three distinct bulb types across the listed years: 2357NA, 12496, and PY21W, as well as P21W for the 1996 model year.
The PY21W is an ECE-standard single-filament amber bulb rated at 12V and 21W, fitted with a BAU15s bayonet base. The BAU15s base uses two pins at the same height but offset at an angle, distinguishing it from the BA15s and BAY15d bases used by other bulbs in these specifications.
The P21W shares the same 12V, 21W rating as the PY21W but uses a BA15s base, which has two pins at equal heights with no angular offset, making it physically incompatible with BAU15s sockets.
The 12496 is a Philips/Osram part number designation for a 12V halogen bulb intended for specialty applications, and it is listed for the rear turn signal on the S500 for the 2002, 2004, and 2006 model years.
Because the rear turn signal position on the S500 alternates between bulb types across different model years, and because the BAU15s, BA15s, and BAY15d bases are not interchangeable, confirming the exact model year is necessary before selecting a replacement rear turn signal bulb.
The front and rear turn signal positions on the S500 require different bulbs in all listed years, as the front consistently uses the dual-filament 2357NA while the rear uses single-filament ECE or specialty halogen types.