What Size Bulbs Does a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Have?
The 2017 Volkswagen Beetle features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single HID-D8S LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Beetle has been available from 1965 to 2019, and the 2017 model falls in the late-generation years. As a Volkswagen vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Volkswagen) 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 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?
Upgrading the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single HID-D8S LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a HID-D8S LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. Important: Volkswagen 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 9006 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Volkswagen 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 9006 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D8S LED | Buy HID-D8S LED |
High Beam | HID-D8S LED | Buy HID-D8S LED |
Fog Light | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 7443 LED | Buy 7443 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 64136 LED | Buy 64136 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 7443 | Buy 7443 |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2017 Volkswagen BeetleHow Long Do 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle 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 9 years old, the original bulbs on your Beetle 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 2017 Volkswagen Beetle?
The D8S low beam bulb on the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact D8S 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.
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Headlight FAQ
Did Volkswagen Beetle Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1965 to 2019, the Volkswagen Beetle has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2017 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2017 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Beetle Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D8S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D8S LED low beam bulb: