What Size Bulbs Does a 1997 Audi S6 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 1997 Audi S6 Have?
The 1997 Audi S6 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H1 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The S6 has been available from 1995 to 2018, and the 1997 model falls in the early-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 1997 Audi S6?
To upgrade the 1997 Audi S6 headlights to LED, you will need a H1 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. 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 1997 Audi S6
The H1 bulb uses a wire clip retainer that snaps over the bulb base. 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 13 Positions at Once
1997 Audi S6 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 70 LED | Buy 70 LED |
Side Marker | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
License Plate | 3893 | Buy 3893 |
Map Light | 47830 | Buy 47830 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1997 Audi S6How Long Do 1997 Audi S6 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1997 Audi S6 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 29 years old, the original bulbs on your S6 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 1997 Audi S6?
The H1 low beam bulb on the 1997 Audi S6 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H1 size. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. 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.
1997 Audi S6 Headlight FAQ
Did Audi S6 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1995 to 2018, the Audi S6 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1997 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1997 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other S6 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H1 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H1 LED low beam bulb: