Mini Cooper Countryman License Plate Bulb Size

The Mini Cooper Countryman license plate light requires bulb size 12961 or DE3423 depending on the specific vehicle configuration. Data for the lighting components covers the range from 2011 to 2017.

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 Type	Shop
2017	12961	Check Price
2011-2016	DE3423	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Mini Cooper Countryman uses two distinct bulb types for the license plate position across its model years: the DE3423 festoon bulb and the 12961 wedge bulb.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standardized festoon bulb recognized across the US and Canadian markets. It measures 41mm in length and makes contact through end-cap terminals at each end of the bulb body. It operates at 12 volts.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb. It uses a W2.1x9.5d base, operates at 12 volts, and is rated at 5 watts.
The W2.1x9.5d base on the 12961 refers to a wedge-style base where the glass pinch itself acts as the retaining mechanism, requiring no separate socket pins or end caps.
The Mini Cooper Countryman (2011-2016) specifies the DE3423 festoon bulb for the license plate position across six consecutive model years.
The 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman specifies the 12961 wedge bulb, which uses a physically different base type than the DE3423 festoon bulb used in prior years.
Because the DE3423 uses end-cap contacts and the 12961 uses a wedge base, the two bulb types are not interchangeable despite both serving the license plate position.
The festoon format of the DE3423 is a common automotive bulb form factor in which the bulb is held in place by spring-loaded contacts pressing against each end cap rather than a socket housing.