What Size Bulbs Does a 1998 Audi Cabriolet Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1998 Audi Cabriolet Have?
The 1998 Audi Cabriolet features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 9003 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Cabriolet has been available from 1994 to 1998, and the 1998 model falls in the late-generation years. As a Audi vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Audi) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1998 Audi Cabriolet?
Upgrading the 1998 Audi Cabriolet to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 9003 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a 9003 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. Important: Audi vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1998 Audi Cabriolet
The 9003 bulb uses a spring clip retainer with a three-prong base identical to H4. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Audi vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1998 Audi Cabriolet Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9003 LED | Buy 9003 LED |
High Beam | 9003 LED | Buy 9003 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 70 | Buy 70 |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Side Marker | N/A | Buy N/A |
License Plate | 3893 | Buy 3893 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Reverse Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1998 Audi CabrioletHow Long Do 1998 Audi Cabriolet Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1998 Audi Cabriolet have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 28 years old, the original bulbs on your Cabriolet are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 1998 Audi Cabriolet?
The 9003 low beam bulb on the 1998 Audi Cabriolet is cross-compatible with H4, HB2 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9003 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. The 9003 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning one bulb contains two separate filaments for low and high beams. This is a different design from single-filament bulbs like H11 or 9005. Make sure any LED replacement is specifically designed for dual-filament operation. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
1998 Audi Cabriolet Headlight FAQ
Did Audi Cabriolet Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1994 to 1998, the Audi Cabriolet has seen bulb size changes in the Fog Light and Trunk Light positions. The 1998 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1997. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1998 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Cabriolet Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9003 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9003 LED low beam bulb: