The Mercedes-Benz SL600 parking light utilizes bulb sizes 12961 and 2357NA and P21/5W according to the provided specifications. Data for the listed components covers the range from 1994 to 2008.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Mercedes-Benz SL600 front parking light specifications reference three distinct bulb sizes across the model's production years: 12961, 2357NA, and P21/5W.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. It is a single-filament lamp commonly used in low-current parking and position light applications.
The 2357NA follows the ANSI standard used in the United States and Canada. It is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base, rated at 12V with filaments drawing 26.9W and 8W respectively. The "NA" suffix denotes natural amber glass, which produces an amber output without the need for an amber lens.
The P21/5W follows the ECE standard used in Europe and internationally. It also uses a BAY15d bayonet base and operates at 12V, with filaments rated at 21W and 5W. Despite sharing the same base type as the 2357NA, its wattage ratings differ, and the two are not directly interchangeable.
The BAY15d base shared by the 2357NA and P21/5W is an offset twin-contact bayonet fitting. The offset pin positions prevent incorrect installation by ensuring the bulb is seated in only one orientation, which is critical for correct dual-filament function.
The Mercedes-Benz SL600 used the P21/5W in the 1994-1995 model years, reflecting ECE-standard fitment typical of European-market vehicles during that period.
The 2357NA appears in the specifications for the 1996-2002 model years, indicating a shift to ANSI-standard amber bulbs for that production range.
The 12961 T10 wedge bulb is specified across two separate production ranges: 1995-2002 and 2004-2008, making it the most broadly applied bulb size within these specifications.
The W2.1x9.5d base of the 12961 is a wedge-type fitting with no separate metal base, relying on the glass envelope's molded contacts to secure it in the socket. This base type is not compatible with bayonet-style sockets used by the 2357NA or P21/5W.
The 2357NA and P21/5W share the BAY15d base form but differ in wattage output, meaning substitution between the two carries a risk of mismatched light intensity for the intended circuit.