What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 2012 Porsche Cayman Have?
The 2012 Porsche Cayman features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2S projector headlights. The Cayman has been available from 2006 to 2016, and the 2012 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 Porsche Cayman?
The 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 H11 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2012 Porsche Cayman
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 H11 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2012 Porsche Cayman Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2S LED | Buy HID-D2S LED |
High Beam | HID-D2S LED | Buy HID-D2S LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 12185 LED | Buy 12185 LED |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Dome Light | 2886X | Buy 2886X |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Parking Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 Porsche CaymanHow Long Do 2012 Porsche Cayman Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 14 years old, the original bulbs on your Cayman 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 2012 Porsche Cayman?
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.
2012 Porsche Cayman Headlight FAQ
Did Porsche Cayman Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2006 to 2016, the Porsche Cayman has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2012 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2014. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2012 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Cayman 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: