What Size Bulbs Does a 1997 Porsche 911 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 1997 Porsche 911 Have?
The 1997 Porsche 911 features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2S projector headlights. The 911 has been available from 1980 to 2019, and the 1997 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1997 Porsche 911?
The 1997 Porsche 911 comes equipped with factory D2S HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D2S HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a H3 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1997 Porsche 911
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Porsche 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. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D2S capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. 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.
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Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1997 Porsche 911 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2S LED | Buy HID-D2S LED |
High Beam | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | N/A | Buy N/A |
Side Marker | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Parking Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
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Shop Complete LED Kit for 1997 Porsche 911How Long Do 1997 Porsche 911 Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 1997 Porsche 911 typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 29 years old, the original bulbs on your 911 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 Porsche 911?
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 Porsche 911 Headlight FAQ
Did Porsche 911 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1980 to 2019, the Porsche 911 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 2013. 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 911 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2S LED low beam bulb: