What Size Bulbs Does a 2014 BMW M235i 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 2014 BMW M235i Have?
The 2014 BMW M235i features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H7 LED low beams and H15 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The M235i has been available from 2014 to 2016, and the 2014 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 2014 BMW M235i?
To upgrade the 2014 BMW M235i headlights to LED, you will need a H7 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H15 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 H8 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2014 BMW M235i
The H7 bulb uses a spring clip or wire retainer that holds the bulb in the socket. 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 H8 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2014 BMW M235i Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
High Beam | H15 LED | Buy H15 LED |
Fog Light | H8 LED | Buy H8 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
License Plate | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 64132 | Buy 64132 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2014 BMW M235iHow Long Do 2014 BMW M235i Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2014 BMW M235i 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 12 years old, the original bulbs on your M235i 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 2014 BMW M235i?
The H7 low beam bulb on the 2014 BMW M235i is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H7 size. 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.
2014 BMW M235i Headlight FAQ
Did BMW M235i Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The BMW M235i has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2014 to 2016. The low beam has used a H7 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any M235i year in this range, they will fit your 2014 model.
Other M235i Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H7 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H7 LED low beam bulb: