What Kind of Headlight Bulb Is in a 2006 BMW 330i?

The 2006 BMW 330i typically uses H7 halogen bulbs for the low beams on standard halogen-equipped models and D2S HID xenon bulbs for factory xenon-equipped models; high beams are generally H7 halogen, and fog lights are H11. The exact bulb type, however, depends on whether the car was ordered with the optional xenon (HID) headlight package and on the market (U.S., Europe, etc.).

Understanding the 2006 BMW 330i Headlight Options

The 2006 BMW 330i (E90 generation) was sold with two main headlight configurations: standard halogen headlights and optional xenon (HID) headlights, sometimes with BMW’s Adaptive or Bi-Xenon systems. Determining which bulb type your specific car uses starts with identifying which of these systems is installed.

Main Headlight Bulb Types by Configuration

Standard Halogen Headlight System

Most non-optioned 2006 BMW 330i models left the factory with basic halogen reflector or projector-style headlights. These rely on conventional replaceable halogen bulbs that are widely available and relatively inexpensive.

The following list outlines the most common bulb types used in 2006 BMW 330i models with standard halogen headlights.

• Low beam (dipped beam): H7 halogen
• High beam (main beam): H7 halogen (separate bulb from low beam)
• Front fog lights: H11 halogen
• Front turn signals: PY21W (amber) or equivalent
• Parking/position lights: W5W (T10 wedge) or similar

For halogen-equipped cars, the H7 format dominates both low and high beams, making replacement relatively straightforward and consistent across many E90 3 Series trims built for the same market.

Factory Xenon (HID) / Bi-Xenon Headlight System

Higher-spec or optioned 2006 330i models may have xenon or Bi-Xenon headlights, often recognizable by a distinct projector lens and a brighter, whiter beam. These systems use gas-discharge HID bulbs and ballasts, and sometimes use a single HID burner for both low and high beams via a mechanical shutter.

The following list summarizes the typical bulb configuration for 2006 BMW 330i models equipped with factory xenon headlights.

• Low beam (and sometimes Bi-Xenon high beam): D2S HID xenon capsule
• Additional high beam (flash-to-pass / halogen supplement): H7 halogen (where fitted)
• Front fog lights: H11 halogen
• Front turn signals: PY21W (amber) or equivalent
• Parking/angel eyes (corona rings, if equipped): W5W or specific BMW “angel eye” bulb/module depending on exact housing

On xenon-equipped 330i models, the D2S bulb is the key identifier, and owners must also account for the ballast and igniter when diagnosing lighting problems beyond simple bulb failure.

How to Tell If You Have Halogen or Xenon Headlights

Visual and Functional Clues

Before buying bulbs, it’s important to confirm which system your particular car has. Visual inspection and simple functional checks can quickly point you in the right direction.

The following list describes practical ways to distinguish halogen from xenon headlights on a 2006 330i.

• Lens appearance: Xenon systems usually have a clear round projector lens behind the outer cover; halogens may have a simpler reflector or smaller projector with a different internal pattern.
• Color of light: Xenons typically appear whiter or slightly bluish (around 4300–6000K), while halogens tend to look more yellow (around 3200–3500K).
• Ignition behavior: HID xenon lights often “flick” on and then brighten over a second or two; halogen bulbs turn on at full brightness almost instantly.
• Dashboard and switchgear: Cars with factory xenons sometimes have auto-leveling and “auto” light functions and may note xenon in the original sales documents or VIN options list.
• Markings on headlight housing: Look for labels molded or printed on the headlight assembly under the hood; they often specify “D2S” for xenon or “H7” for halogen near the low-beam socket symbol.

These checks normally provide enough confirmation to choose the correct bulb type without guesswork, preventing costly purchase mistakes, especially with pricier HID capsules.

Regional and Trim-Level Variations

While the H7 and D2S standards apply broadly, there can be minor differences by market and package. BMW often aligns lighting with local regulations and trim options, particularly between North American and European specifications.

The following list highlights the main variation points owners should be aware of when identifying bulbs for a 2006 BMW 330i.

• North America vs. Europe: Both use H7 and D2S broadly, but certain trims, adaptive/steering headlights, and daytime running light configurations can alter which bulbs serve which function.
• Sport and premium packages: Higher trims were more likely to include xenons or adaptive headlights, but the underlying bulb types (H7, D2S, H11) remain consistent.
• Adaptive/Bi-Xenon systems: These can use a single D2S bulb for low and high beam via a shutter, supplemented by a halogen H7 for flash-to-pass or additional high beam output.
• Aftermarket headlight assemblies: Replacements or custom headlights may switch bulb types (for example, to LED or a different halogen fitting), so always physically inspect your current unit if it’s not obviously original BMW equipment.

Because of these potential variations, treating the bulb chart as a guide and verifying against your specific headlight housing is the safest approach for accurate parts ordering.

Confirming Bulb Type by VIN and Owner’s Manual

Official References

When in doubt, it’s wise to confirm the bulb type using official references linked to your specific vehicle, especially if you suspect modifications or regional differences.

The following list outlines the most reliable ways to double-check the correct bulb specification for your 2006 BMW 330i.

• Owner’s manual: The lighting section typically includes a bulb chart listing low beam, high beam, fog, and signal bulb formats (e.g., H7, D2S, H11).
• VIN decoder: Online BMW VIN decoders (using your full 17-character VIN) can reveal whether your car left the factory with S522A “xenon” lights or standard halogens.
• Parts catalog (ETK / RealOEM): BMW-focused online catalogs let you enter your VIN and see exact part numbers and bulb formats for your build date and market.
• Physical inspection: Carefully remove the bulb cover at the rear of the headlight and read the markings on the existing bulb (e.g., “H7 12V 55W” or “D2S 35W”).
• Dealer or specialist workshop: A BMW dealer or independent BMW specialist can verify your lighting setup from factory records and a quick visual check.

Combining the VIN-based data with a physical check of the bulb or housing provides near-certain confirmation, particularly useful before ordering expensive OEM HID bulbs.

Choosing Replacement Bulbs: OEM vs. Aftermarket

Performance, Longevity, and Legality

Once you know your bulb type (H7 or D2S for the main beams), the next decision is what brand and style to buy. This choice affects brightness, beam quality, color, and service life, and in some regions, local regulations also play a role.

The following list outlines key considerations when selecting replacement bulbs for a 2006 BMW 330i.

• Stick with name brands: For both H7 and D2S, brands like Osram, Philips, and Bosch are commonly recommended for consistent output and reliability.
• Color temperature: HID D2S bulbs in the 4300K–5000K range best mimic OEM appearance and performance; very blue bulbs (6000K+) may reduce effective visibility and attract legal scrutiny in some markets.
• “Extra white” or “+X% brightness” halogens: Upgraded H7 halogens can give a whiter or brighter look, but ultra-high-performance variants sometimes have shorter lifespans.
• LED conversions: LED retrofit kits for H7 or D2S housings can cause glare or beam-pattern issues if the housing wasn’t designed for LEDs, and they may not be road-legal in some jurisdictions.
• Match bulbs in pairs: Especially with xenons, replace both sides together to maintain consistent color and brightness across the front of the car.

Choosing quality bulbs that respect the original headlight design and local laws will preserve both safety and the clean, factory-correct look characteristic of the E90 3 Series.

Practical Notes on Replacing Bulbs

Access and Handling

Replacing headlight bulbs on the E90 can be more cramped than on older cars, especially on models with xenon systems and additional electronics near the lights. Careful handling is essential, particularly with HID bulbs.

The following list provides practical tips for safely replacing bulbs on a 2006 BMW 330i.

• Disconnect power carefully: With xenon systems, it’s safer to turn off the ignition and let systems sleep before opening the housing; avoid touching HID components when powered.
• Do not touch glass: For both H7 halogen and D2S HID bulbs, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers; oil from skin can shorten bulb life or cause hot spots.
• Use the rear access covers: The headlight has removable covers behind each beam; remove them to access the bulb clips or retaining rings.
• Mind orientation and locking tabs: Both H7 and D2S bulbs must be correctly oriented and seated; forcing a misaligned bulb can damage the housing or scatter the beam.
• Consider professional help for HID: If you are not comfortable working around high-voltage HID systems or need to access the ballast or igniter, a workshop visit is advisable.

Taking a methodical approach and following the car’s manual will usually make bulb replacement manageable for a careful DIY owner, while minimizing the risk of damage or misalignment.

Summary

For a 2006 BMW 330i, the standard setup uses H7 halogen bulbs for both low and high beams, with H11 for fog lights, while models fitted with the factory xenon option use D2S HID bulbs for the low beam (and often Bi-Xenon high beam), still typically paired with an H7 halogen for additional high-beam or flash-to-pass duty. Because there are variations tied to options, region, and any aftermarket changes, the most reliable way to confirm your exact bulb type is to check the headlight housing markings, owner’s manual, or VIN-based parts catalog before purchasing replacements.

What size headlight bulb for 2006 BMW 330i?

H7 Bulb
Headlight Bulb – H7 Bulb Type High Beam or Low Beam fits 2001-2006 BMW 330I.

What type of headlights does BMW use?

BMW Headlight Bulb Sizes

Bulb Size	Application	Typical BMW Models
D1S	HID/Xenon	BMW 7 Series, X5
D3S	HID/Xenon	BMW 4 Series, X3
H8	Fog Lights	BMW M3, X6
9005	Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	BMW 5 Series, 7 Series

Are H7 and H11 the same bulb?

No, H7 and H11 bulbs are not the same and are not interchangeable due to differences in their base design, which affects how they connect to a vehicle’s socket. H7 bulbs typically have two bare prongs on a larger base, while H11 bulbs have an L-shaped base with two encased prongs, making them physically incompatible. They are also used for different purposes, with H7 often for high or low beams and H11 more commonly for low beams or fog lights.
 
This video explains the differences between H7 and H11 bulbs: 1mHeadlight RevolutionYouTube · Oct 5, 2020

Feature	H7	H11
Base Type	PX26d, with two bare prongs on a larger base	PGJ19-2, with an L-shaped base and two encased prongs
Common Use	High or low beams	Low beams or fog lights
Connector Size	Approximately $26$mm in width	Approximately $19$mm in width
Beam Focus	Tends to be more focused	Has a wider beam

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To ensure you buy the correct bulb, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look for the part number printed on the existing bulb itself.

How to replace left BMW headlights in 2006?

We can pull this bulb right out this is a 3457 bulb just take the new one slide in place lock it down.