What Size Bulbs Does a 1992 BMW 318i 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 1992 BMW 318i Have?
The 1992 BMW 318i features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 318i has been available from 1992 to 1999, and the 1992 model falls in the early-generation years. As a BMW vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (BMW) 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 1992 BMW 318i?
To upgrade the 1992 BMW 318i headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 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: BMW 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 H1 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1992 BMW 318i
The 9006 bulb uses a push-and-twist L-shaped bayonet lock. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. BMW 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 H1 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1992 BMW 318i Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
Brake Light | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Side Marker | 5007 LED or 7225 LED | Buy 5007 LED or 7225 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6411 or 6418 | Buy 6411 or 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1992 BMW 318iHow Long Do 1992 BMW 318i Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1992 BMW 318i 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 34 years old, the original bulbs on your 318i 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 1992 BMW 318i?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1992 BMW 318i is cross-compatible with HB4 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9006 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. 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.
1992 BMW 318i Headlight FAQ
Did BMW 318i Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1992 to 1999, the BMW 318i has seen bulb size changes in the Brake Light, Side Marker and Turn Signal Front positions. The 1992 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 1998. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1992 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 318i Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: