BMW 3 Series E46 Bulb Sizes (1998–2006)
Quick answer: the BMW 3 Series E46 uses H7 for both the low and the high beam on halogen headlights.
Looking for the right headlight bulb for your BMW 3 Series E46 (1998–2006)? Below you will find the bulb sizes for the low beam, high beam, fog lights and parking lights, for both halogen and xenon headlights.
This guide covers: 316i, 318i, 318d, 320i, 320d, 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, 330d, 330xi, 325xi · Sedan, Touring, Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/2C), Compact (E46/5) · pre-facelift and facelift (2001/2003).
BMW 3 Series E46 bulb sizes
Halogen headlights
Low beam: H7
High beam: H7
Fog lights: 9006 (HB4) – pre-facelift / H8 – facelift
Parking / position lights: W5W (T10)
Xenon headlights
Low beam: D2S
High beam: H7
Fog lights: 9006 (HB4) / H8
Parking / position lights: W5W (T10)
Good to know
The fog light bulb changed with the facelift: earlier cars use 9006 (HB4), facelift cars use H8. Check your fog light before ordering.
Xenon cars have a separate H7 high beam, so you only need a D2S pair for the low beam.
The angel eyes (halo rings) on the facelift Coupe/Convertible are a separate light and are not covered by these bulbs.
LightsUp LED bulbs for the BMW 3 Series E46
Magic App Control LED bulbs – sizes for this car: H7, H8, 9006. colour temperature, brightness and strobe controlled from your phone, built-in CAN bus.
CORE150 LED bulbs – sizes for this car: H7, H8, 9006. very bright 6500K white, no app.
Compact 1:1 H7 LED bulbs (6000LM) – sizes for this car: H7. very compact, no external driver – fits tight headlight housings.
Xenon to LED bulbs – sizes for this car: D2S. plug-and-play LED replacement for xenon bulbs.
Xenon LED bulbs with App Control – sizes for this car: D2S. xenon LED replacement with app control.
T10 / W5W LED bulbs – sizes for this car: W5W / T10. for parking and position lights.
Why upgrade to LED?
Much brighter, clean white light (around 6000K) instead of yellow halogen.
Instant full brightness and a much longer life than halogen bulbs.
Plug-and-play: the same base as your original H7 bulb, no cutting or wiring changes.
Built-in CAN bus on our App Control bulbs – no dashboard warnings on most cars.
Xenon headlights? Swap to LED
If your BMW 3 Series E46 has xenon headlights, our Xenon to LED bulbs replace the D2S bulb directly – no ballast changes needed.
FAQ
Do LED H7 bulbs fit behind the E46 dust cap?
Yes, there is enough room behind the E46 headlight caps for most LED H7 bulbs, including our App Control H7. If your car has aftermarket headlights, check the space first.
Will I get a bulb error on the dashboard?
Our App Control bulbs have a built-in CAN bus, so in most E46 cars no extra resistor is needed.
Check before you order
Headlights can differ by market (EU/US), trim, xenon or halogen, or because a previous owner fitted different lights. Please check the code printed on the base of your current bulb before ordering. Not sure? Send us a photo of your bulb to info@lightsup.pro and we will confirm the right size for you.
Other car? Use our Bulb Finder – pick your make, model and year and see the right bulbs in seconds.
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