What Size Bulbs Does a 2016 BMW 650i 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 2016 BMW 650i Have?
The 2016 BMW 650i features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses factory LED technology with integrated LED headlight modules. The 650i has been available from 2007 to 2018, and the 2016 model falls in the late-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 2016 BMW 650i?
Upgrading the 2016 BMW 650i to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single LED Headlights dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a LED Headlights LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. 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 2504 LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2016 BMW 650i
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. 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. This vehicle has factory-integrated LED headlight modules. These are not user-serviceable bulbs. If your LED headlights fail, the entire headlight assembly or LED module may need to be replaced by a dealer or qualified technician. 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 2504 fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2016 BMW 650i Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | LED Headlights | Buy LED Headlights |
High Beam | LED Headlights | Buy LED Headlights |
Fog Light | 2504 | Buy 2504 |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Rear | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
License Plate | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Map Light | 2886X | Buy 2886X |
Parking Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Reverse Light | 921K | Buy 921K |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2016 BMW 650iHow Long Do 2016 BMW 650i Headlight Bulbs Last?
Factory LED headlights on the 2016 BMW 650i are rated for approximately 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use, which translates to roughly 10 to 15 years of normal driving. LED modules rarely burn out suddenly. Instead, they gradually dim over time or develop dead zones within the LED array. At 10 years old, the original bulbs on your 650i are likely overdue for replacement, though LED modules may still have life left. 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 2016 BMW 650i?
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.
2016 BMW 650i Headlight FAQ
Did BMW 650i Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2007 to 2018, the BMW 650i has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2016 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2016 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.