Mini Cooper Brake Bulb Size

The Mini Cooper brake light bulb utilizes either P21W or P21/5W size specifications depending on model generation. The replacement chart covers vehicle production years spanning 2002 to 2024 with corresponding bulb size data.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Brake Light

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
2014-2024	1156 (w/o LED taillights)	P21W	Check Price
2007-2013	1156	P21W	Check Price
2002-2006	1157	P21/5W	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	P21W	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1156	Check Price
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Dual-filament signalling bulb with BAY15d bayonet base. 12V, 21W/5W.	P21/5W	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base. 12V, 21W/5W.	1157	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The P21W is a single-filament signalling bulb operating at 12V and 21W, fitted with a BA15s bayonet base. It conforms to ECE standards used across Europe and worldwide markets.
The P21/5W is a dual-filament signalling bulb rated at 12V with filaments drawing 21W and 5W respectively. It uses a BAY15d bayonet base, which is physically distinct from the BA15s base of the P21W.
Because the BA15s and BAY15d bases are not interchangeable, P21W and P21/5W bulbs cannot substitute for one another despite sharing a similar physical profile and the same 21W primary filament rating.
The Mini Cooper (2002-2006) uses the P21/5W dual-filament bulb for the brake light function, drawing on both filaments within a single housing.
From 2007 onward, the Mini Cooper transitioned to the single-filament P21W for the brake light position, a change that reflects a different circuit and socket configuration compared to earlier model years.
For the 2015-2024 model years, the P21W fitment applies only to vehicles without LED taillights, indicating that two distinct taillight hardware configurations exist within those production years.