Volkswagen Super Beetle Dome Light Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Super Beetle dome light requires bulb size 1893 or 211-2 depending on the specific configuration of the interior lighting assembly. Data for the provided bulb sizes covers the range from 1978 to 1980.

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
1979-1980	1893
1978	211-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T5). 12V, 2W.	1893
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	211-2

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 1893 bulb is an ANSI-standard miniature wedge type with a T5 form factor, rated at 12 volts and 2 watts. The T5 designation refers to a tubular bulb roughly 5/8 of an inch wide, and the wedge base means the bulb is held in its socket by the glass envelope itself rather than a separate metal base.
The 211-2 bulb is an ANSI-standard festoon type with an SV8.5 base and a 41mm length, rated at 12 volts and 12 watts. A festoon bulb is cylindrical with metal contact caps at each end, designed to bridge two spring clips inside the fixture.
The 1893 and 211-2 bulbs are not interchangeable. Their base types, physical forms, and wattage ratings differ substantially, meaning a socket designed for one will not accept the other.
The Volkswagen Super Beetle used the 1893 bulb for the dome light in the 1979-1980 model years.
The 1978 Volkswagen Super Beetle used the 211-2 festoon bulb for the dome light, which draws 12 watts compared to the 2 watts drawn by the 1893 used in later model years.
Both bulb types operate on a 12-volt electrical system, consistent with standard automotive low-voltage architecture.