The Volvo V50 front inner turn signal bulb uses a 12496 or PY21W size, while front and rear turn signals utilize the same PY21W or 12496 bulb size. The replacement chart covers 2005 through 2011 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.
PY21W is the most frequently specified bulb across the Volvo V50 turn signal positions. It follows the ECE standard used in European and worldwide automotive applications, operates at 12V with a 21W output, uses a single filament, produces an amber light natively, and features a BAU15s bayonet base.
The BAU15s base on the PY21W is an offset-pin bayonet fitting. The pin offset is a deliberate design feature that prevents accidental installation of a clear single-filament bulb in a position requiring an amber light source.
The 12496 is a Philips and Osram part number designation for a halogen bulb rated at 12V and classified as a specialty application type. It appears across multiple positions and model years of the Volvo V50.
The Volvo V50 (2008) presents a split fitment for the front turn signal position. Vehicles equipped with halogen capsule headlamps take the 12496 bulb, while vehicles equipped with HID headlamps take the PY21W instead.
Because the 2008 front turn signal fitment depends on headlamp type rather than model year alone, confirming the headlamp system on a specific vehicle is necessary before selecting a replacement bulb for that position.
The front inner turn signal position exists only in the 2005-2007 model years within these specifications. The 2005-2006 entries use PY21W, while the 2007 entry uses the 12496.
The rear turn signal position on the V50 uses the 12496 for model years 2006-2010, while the 2005 and 2011 entries for that same position specify PY21W, indicating the two bulb types are not universally interchangeable across years even within a single lamp position.
Although both the PY21W and the 12496 operate at 12V, they differ in base type and physical construction, meaning one cannot be substituted for the other without confirming fitment compatibility for the specific model year and lamp position.