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πŸ’‘Headlight Bulb Size

Volkswagen Beetle Headlight Bulb Size

Find the correct headlight bulb size for your Volkswagen Beetle. Covers low beam, high beam, fog lights, and turn signals for all years.

Quick Answer

The Volkswagen Beetle headlight bulb size depends on the model year and trim. Common sizes include H11 (low beam), 9005/HB3 (high beam), and H16 (fog lights) β€” see the full breakdown below.

2014-2019

2014-2019
Low BeamLED (factory) or H11 equivalent
High BeamLED (factory) or 9005/HB3 equivalent
Fog LightsH16 or H11 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)7440/T20 amber
Headlight TypeLED or LED projector (most trims)
Notes
  • β†’Factory LED headlights are not user-replaceable β€” the entire assembly may need replacement
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’LED upgrade bulbs are available but may cause CANBUS errors on some models
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

2008-2013

2008-2013
Low BeamH11 or H7
High Beam9005/HB3
Fog LightsH16, H11, or 9006 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)7440/T20 or 3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen projector or reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’LED upgrade bulbs are available but may cause CANBUS errors on some models
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

2002-2007

2002-2007
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1996-2001

1996-2001
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1990-1995

1990-1995
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1984-1989

1984-1989
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1978-1983

1978-1983
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1972-1977

1972-1977
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1966-1971

1966-1971
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1960-1965

1960-1965
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1954-1959

1954-1959
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1948-1953

1948-1953
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1942-1947

1942-1947
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

1938-1941

1938-1941
Low Beam9006/HB4 or H4
High Beam9005/HB3 or H4
Fog Lights9006 or 880/881 (if equipped)
Turn Signal (Front)3157 amber
Headlight TypeHalogen reflector
Notes
  • β†’Never touch halogen bulbs with bare fingers β€” skin oil causes hot spots and premature failure
  • β†’Replace bulbs in pairs β€” if one side burned out, the other is likely near end of life

Frequently Asked Questions

What size headlight bulb does a Volkswagen Beetle use?
The Volkswagen Beetle headlight bulb size varies by year. Newer models often use factory LED units, while older models use H11, H7, or 9006 halogen bulbs. Check the year-specific specs below for your exact fitment.
Can I put LED bulbs in my Volkswagen Beetle?
If your Volkswagen Beetle has halogen headlights, you can install LED replacement bulbs. Look for bulbs with a proper beam pattern (projector-compatible) to avoid blinding other drivers. Some models may need anti-flicker adapters.
How do I replace the headlight bulb on a Volkswagen Beetle?
On most Volkswagen Beetle models, you can access the headlight bulb from behind the headlight assembly in the engine bay. Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise, pull out the old bulb, insert the new one (don't touch the glass), and twist back in.
Why does my Volkswagen Beetle headlight keep burning out?
Frequent bulb burnout on the Volkswagen Beetle is usually caused by a loose connection, moisture in the housing, touching the bulb glass during installation, or a voltage regulator issue. Check the connector and housing seal.

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