The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren high beam headlight uses a 9005 bulb size while the low beam headlight requires a D2S bulb size. The replacement chart covers 2005 through 2009 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 SLR McLaren uses two distinct bulb types across its headlight system for the 2005-2009 model years: the 9005 for high beam and the D2S for low beam.
The 9005 is a single-filament halogen bulb operating at 12V and 65W, built to the ANSI standard applicable in the United States and Canada, and fitted with a P20d base.
The D2S is a high-intensity discharge xenon bulb rated at 85V and 35W, conforming to the ECE standard used in Europe and worldwide, and carrying a P32d-2 base.
The D2S bulb is designed exclusively for projector-type housings and requires an external ignitor to initiate the electrical arc that produces light, making it incompatible with standard reflector housing setups.
The voltage ratings of the two bulb types differ substantially: the 9005 operates on a conventional 12V automotive circuit, while the D2S requires 85V, supplied through a dedicated ballast and ignitor system.
The P20d and P32d-2 base types are physically distinct and non-interchangeable, meaning neither bulb can be substituted into the other's socket without modification.
Although the 9005 and D2S share the same wattage class in terms of energy draw relative to their respective systems, the D2S produces significantly greater luminous output per watt, which is a characteristic property of HID discharge technology compared to halogen.
The 9005 and D2S fitments remain consistent across all five model years covered in the specifications, with no variation in bulb type by year for either the high beam or low beam position.