The Mercedes-Benz SL600 front side marker bulb uses sizes 12961, 2357NA, or P21/5W, while the rear side marker bulb uses sizes 5008 or 232. The replacement chart covers vehicle production years spanning 1994 to 2009 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 SL600 front side marker position uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the 12961 and the 2357NA, with the 1994-1995 model years requiring a third type, the 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 the most frequently specified front side marker bulb across the SL600 range, covering the 1998-1999 and 2004-2009 model years.
The 2357NA follows the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada. It is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base and natural amber glass, rated at 12V with filaments drawing 26.9W and 8W respectively. It serves the front side marker position on the 1996-1997 and 2000-2002 model years.
The natural amber glass of the 2357NA produces its amber color through the glass itself rather than through a coated or clear lens, which is a relevant fitment consideration when the housing design is taken into account.
The P21/5W follows the ECE standard used in Europe and worldwide. It shares the BAY15d bayonet base with the 2357NA but carries different wattage ratings of 21W and 5W, and it applies only to the 1994-1995 front side marker position.
Although the 2357NA and P21/5W share the same BAY15d bayonet base, they are not interchangeable. They originate from different regulatory standards, carry different wattage ratings, and are designed for different regional markets.
The rear side marker position on the SL600 is dominated by the 5008, an ANSI-standard single-filament bulb with a BA15s bayonet base rated at 12V. It covers the 1994-1999 and 2001-2002 model years in that position.
The 5008 is described as a lower wattage variant of the 1156 bulb. Both share the BA15s bayonet base, but the wattage difference means they are not direct substitutes in applications where wattage tolerance is a factor.
The 2000 model year SL600 rear side marker departs from the 5008 specification, instead requiring a 232 festoon bulb. The 232 uses an SV8.5 base and is rated at 12V and 3W, making it physically and electrically distinct from the BA15s-based 5008 used in surrounding model years.
The festoon format of the 232 bulb indicates a cylindrical form factor held between two end caps, which is a fundamentally different mounting and form factor from the bayonet-base bulbs used elsewhere in the SL600 side marker specifications.