License Plate Light Replacement?

[Golfrider]

Has anyone had to replace the license plate light? If so, can it be replaced with a non OEM replacement part? Also, where to get the modular looking bulb?

[jrsndman]

I replaced mine twice. The second time with one of these in blue. I'm guessing blue isn't exactly legal so you may want white.

[towerworker]

I've replaced mine a time or two. I went to a standard auto parts store like Advance or AutoZone. No need to buy BMW bulbs. Matter of fact I use a lot of non-BMW stuff on mine---like using an AC Delco oil filter for example.

[riceburner]

IIRC it's a pain the ass bulb with annoyingly offset bayonet fittings??

all I know is that they're expensive.

[AZBMWRIDER]

I've replaced mine twice so far, at least at the time I bought the bulbs, OEM bulbs were less costly than going to NAPA for them .
Very uncommon bulb .

[dustburm]

I replaced mine with an LED device. Seems I ebayed it for 7 or 8 bucks including shipping. Several chips facing outward in a cylinder. It wasn't really bright as I had expected it to be. I decided the problem was the black plastic/rubber box that it lived in. I used metalic duct tape to 'line' the 'black box' and wonder of wonders it got a lot brighter. I think that is a good thing?

Dusty Burman
Phx,AZ

[spoonyfork]

I know this is an old topic but the license plate light on my 2008 R1200R burned out for the first time recently and I came here and searched the internet looking for what bulb to buy to replace. Here's what I found:

BMW Registration Plate Light part# 63267670850
http://parts.bmwmotorcycles.com/a/BMW__ ... _1104.html
BMW Longlife Bulb part# 63217160797 $4.38 for one
http://parts.bmwmotorcycles.com/p/BMW__ ... 60797.html

However I was able to replace the bulb with Sylvania 2825 from O'Reilly Auto Parts down the road for $4.50 for a package of two.
http://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-2825-Bas ... vania+2825

Sylvania also has an LED version of the 2825 for $9.59 for one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AIJ ... l_huc_item

To replace the license plate light you don't have to take apart the license plate holder or license plate light assembly (like I initially did ), you can just pull the bulb out of the assembly from behind, there is no turn-lock or anything.

-spoonyfork

[AZBMWRIDER]

I don't know what model year this changed, but my '02 R, has an offset bayonet base type bulb, not a glass ' wedge ' type bulb .
Just took a look at my last spare bulb, and it's an H6W bulb, 6 watts .

[Chuxter]

Has anyone had to replace the license plate light? If so, can it be replaced with a non OEM replacement part? Also, where to get the modular looking bulb?

I eliminated my bulb...used leds from Ebay...works great!

[AZBMWRIDER]

Are there direct replacement LED's, or do you have to ' modify ' the bulb holder to make them work ????

[gregor]

I used an LED to replace the rear halogen licence/number plate bulb. Certainly is dimmer but who cares as long as it works?
The second one that came in the pack is in my front parking/side light. Think I'd to ease the bayonet sockets with a needle file to get the slightly different pin arrangement LED bulbs in.

[maccraith]

In AutoZone, I found a package of two LEDs mounted in 1/2" plastic cylinders that are capped top and bottom, but have a cutout section on the cylinder wall through which the light shines. They have wire leads.
I soldered the leads of one to the bayonet connectors and glued the cylinder to the metal fixture that used to hold that very difficult to find bulb. Replaced the rubber boot, plugged it in, re-mounted the light fixture and voila! A bright, white license plate light that will probably outlast me.

[dustburm]

I found the correct base in a multi chip cool white LED. Search this list or the Rockster list. My light was burning a bit dim (no comments please). I carefully lined the black rubber enclosure with metallic duct tape which made a BIG difference.

Dusty Burman
Phoenix,
46f at 0600,
no grip heaters reqd!