What is the headlight size bulb on a 2011 BMW 328i?

The bulb size for a 2011 BMW 328i depends on the headlight type installed in the car: halogen headlights use H7 for the low beam (and typically 9005 for the high beam), while Xenon HID headlights use D3S bulbs. If you’re unsure which system your vehicle has, check the owner’s manual or inspect the headlight housing label.

The 2011 328i offered two main headlight configurations. The following details cover the most common setups you may encounter on that model year.

Halogen headlights (typical on earlier or base trims)

The following list outlines the bulb sizes you’re likely to need if your 2011 BMW 328i uses standard halogen headlights. This information is useful for identifying replacements at an auto parts store or performing a DIY bulb swap.

• Low beam: H7


• High beam: 9005 (HB3)

These sizes are for the primary headlights. If you also replace fog lights or other auxiliary lamps, those bulbs may have different specifications (for example, H8 or H11 for fog lights), so verify each location’s exact bulb type before purchasing.

In practice, owners who have halogen headlights will typically replace the low beam bulb with an H7 and the high beam with a 9005 to match factory configurations. Always confirm by checking the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the label found on or near the headlight housing.

Xenon HID headlights (factory xenon or optional Xenon with adaptive lighting)

For 2011 BMW 328i models equipped with factory Xenon headlights, the bulb type is different and not interchangeable with halogen bulbs. The HID bulbs used are:

• D3S (Xenon HID bulb)

Note that HID systems rely on a ballast and control unit in addition to the bulb. Replacing an HID bulb typically requires handling the ballast aligns with the factory setup, and some owners replace the entire headlight assembly when necessary. If your car has Xenon headlights, you will not use H7 or 9005 bulbs for the main beam.

How to confirm your exact headlight setup

To be certain of the exact bulb type for your specific vehicle, you can:

• Consult the owner’s manual for headlight specifications.


• Check the headlight housing label, which often lists bulb sizes.


• Look up your car’s VIN and build options, as headlight configurations varied by market and trim.

Knowing whether you have halogen or Xenon headlights will ensure you purchase the correct bulbs and avoid mismatched replacements. If you’re replacing bulbs yourself, handle HID bulbs with care, as they require proper precautions and, often, professional installation for ballast-related components.

Summary

For a 2011 BMW 328i, halogen headlights typically use H7 for low beams and 9005 for high beams, while Xenon HID headlights use D3S bulbs. Always verify your exact configuration via the owner’s manual or the headlight housing label to ensure you buy the correct bulbs for your vehicle.

What headlights does a BMW 328i take?

For BMW 328i 2007-2016 4x H7 Halogen Headlight Bulbs High/Low Beam Lights 3400K.

What vehicles use a D3S headlight bulb?

🚘 Vehicles That Commonly Use D3S Bulbs

• Audi (A4, A6, Q5, Q7, etc.)
• BMW models with factory HID headlights.
• Mercedes-Benz (C-Class, E-Class, and more)
• Lexus (select HID-equipped models)
• Volvo HID headlight systems.
• Porsche (Cayenne, Macan, 911)
• Land Rover / Range Rover.
• Jaguar (XF, F-Pace)

What headlight bulb does a 2011 BMW 328i take?

H7
BMW 328i (2009-2011) Bulb Size Chart

Do I need H11 or 9005?

H11 bulbs are designed for use as low beam headlights, while 9005 bulbs are typically used for high beams. This results in a higher brightness level for the 9005 bulbs compared to the H11 bulbs.