License Plate Bulb Substitute

[bergj1986]

Just found out the license plate bulb on my 03 R1150R burned out. Checked Google and found that the stupid bulb is at least $10 plus shipping. Others have recommended using eBay LED substitutes, but I have found they burn out as well due to poor quality.

Went to Autozone and found Sylvania 1893 bulbs. It has the same base as the stock bulbs and works fine.

A pair will run you about $5.

Happy riding!

[riceburner]

I think I've used them too.

[rdsmith3]

My usual response to this question is, why bother? Unless it is required to pass inspection, does it matter if someone can see your license plate?

[NoRRmad]

I don't know where bergj is located, but if it's in The States, he will require a license-plate light. In addition to passing inspection, a policeman can pull you over and give you a ticket if that light's out.

[riceburner]

My usual response to this question is, why bother? Unless it is required to pass inspection, does it matter if someone can see your license plate?

In the UK it's an "advisory" on the annual MOT check - but the police can use it as a reason to pull you over for a more extensive check over.

[TicTac50]

Just found out the license plate bulb on my 03 R1150R burned out. Checked Google and found that the stupid bulb is at least $10 plus shipping. Others have recommended using eBay LED substitutes, but I have found they burn out as well due to poor quality.

Went to Autozone and found Sylvania 1893 bulbs. It has the same base as the stock bulbs and works fine.

A pair will run you about $5.

Happy riding!

Thanks for the valuable information.
Last month I was on the road and discovered that the same bulb burned out on my 2004 bike.
The very next day I stopped at the BMW dealership (very BIG in the Southeast) to ask for the bulb.
When I was told $24.95 I could not believe my ears. A very nice salesman stated that he can do $19.95
I am not a poor man but 19.95 as a favor, for a 6W bulb is way out of range.
Thanks again for the "1893" lucky number.

[Hottech]

My bulb also went out and I bought a LED replacement bulb off of E-bay for a few bucks. It only lasted a couple of months so I went back to Auto Zone for $5.00( 2 pack bulbs).

[bergj1986]

I am located in the U.S. I'm not entirely sure if license plate lights are required here, but the way I look at it, the more lights you have on your bike, the better.

$20 for a simple light bulb is crazy, but apparently not in the BMW world! As this bike requires maintenance items, I am surprised at how much money I am able to save by using some simple engineering and parts sourcing to avoid expensive trips to the dealership.

[scarabrunner]

Went to try your Sylvania 1893 solution. Two problems with that:
1: The BMW license plate bulb is 12V 6A and the Sylvania 1893 is 14V .33A
2: The BMW bulb has offset prongs at around 135 degrees and on the Sylvania, they are 180 degrees.

I didn't buy one and try it, but based on these issues it is probably not a good idea.
Good luck finding a cheap replacement with the same specs. I had to spend $19.95 at Eurosport BMW in Asheville, NC.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Timely thread. I replaced mine today with a Sylvania 1891. It fit fine. How long it lasts I don't know, but it's working now. I had one hanging around, I think from replacing a telltale light on the dash, months ago and still working.

Got it fron advanced auto.

The BMW OEM bulb looks fancier.

[Buckster]

I'm writing that one down. I 'm on my third bulb in 6 years. Thanks John!

[gregor]

The standard bulb is a small halogen one- why? Very expensive in UK (~£10 IIRC). My garage fitted a 21W halogen as a temporary measure this barbequed the lamp housing during my ride home.
I then fitted a cheap LED off eBay assembly. Been fine for 6 years and the second one from the pack went into the front parking light socket with a little tweak of a needle file.