Volkswagen Cabrio Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Cabrio back up light requires a P21W bulb size for proper installation and function within the rear lighting assembly. Available data covers the span from 1995 through 2002 for the specified vehicle components.

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 Size
1995-2002	P21W

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	P21W

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The P21W is the sole back up light bulb type listed across all model years of the Volkswagen Cabrio covered by these specifications, spanning 1995-2002.
The P21W is an ECE-standard single-filament bulb rated at 12 volts and 21 watts, designed primarily for signalling applications such as reverse lighting.
The P21W uses a BA15s bayonet base, which is a single-contact bayonet mount with a 15mm collar. The "s" designation indicates a single contact point at the base, distinguishing it from dual-contact variants.
Because the BA15s base is a single-contact fitting, it is not interchangeable with the BA15d base, which carries two contact points. Substituting one for the other is not possible without modification.
The ECE designation on the P21W indicates compliance with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe lighting regulations, a standard widely adopted outside North America.
The 21-watt output of the P21W places it in a higher power category than many modern signalling bulbs, a characteristic relevant when evaluating LED retrofit compatibility, as some vehicle circuits rely on the resistance load of a filament bulb to function correctly.