Parts for your 2006 Subaru Impreza-Headlight bulbs

2006 Subaru Impreza headlight-bulbs

Headlight bulbs are absolutely used on the 2006 Subaru Impreza. Technical documentation confirms this: the Subaru Impreza 2006 Owner’s Manual (Maintenance and Service – Bulb Replacement) and the Subaru Service Manual (Lighting System) both specify replaceable headlamp bulbs. Major fitment catalogues used by workshops in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Narva and Philips bulb guides) list the applicable halogen and HID capsule types for 2006 Impreza, WRX and STI variants.

On this model, the headlight bulbs do the heavy lifting after dark—providing a clean, well-aimed beam so the driver can see and be seen. As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check brightness, colour and beam aim, because halogen bulbs fade over time. Many owners prefer to replace bulbs in pairs to keep light output balanced left-to-right.

• Common AU/NZ fitments: many 2006 Impreza/WRX use H7 low beam with 9005 (HB3) high beam, STI often runs D2S HID low beam with 9005 high beam. Some trims may use a 9007 dual‑filament unit. Exact type varies by market/trim—always confirm against the owner’s manual or the marking on the lamp housing.

1. Switch off, remove the key and let the headlights cool.
2. Open the bonnet, remove the rear dust cap from the headlamp.
3. Unclip or twist the bulb holder, disconnect the plug and withdraw the bulb.
4. Fit the correct new bulb—don’t touch the glass, use gloves or a clean tissue.
5. Reconnect, refit the dust cap, test the lights and check beam aim on a flat surface.

Handy servicing advice: stick to the specified wattage to avoid heat damage, and keep connections clean and tight to prevent voltage drop. If the lens is hazed, consider a proper restoration—fresh bulbs behind cloudy plastic still won’t throw good light. For HID-equipped STI models, low-beam capsules age too, colour shift or slow strike-up suggests it’s time for new D2S units, and any ballast or igniter faults should be diagnosed before replacing parts. In NZ, ensure any upgrades pass WOF, in AU, ADR compliance applies—retrofit LED bulbs in halogen housings may not be road-legal. If bulbs fail repeatedly, check charging voltage and earths, and avoid cheap, over-wattage lamps. For many drivers who do lots of night kilometres, refreshing halogens every 3–4 years keeps visibility crisp and driving less tiring.

What headlight bulb fits a 2006 Impreza?

Fitment depends on trim and market. Many AU/NZ cars use H7 low beam and 9005 (HB3) high beam, STI often uses D2S HID for low and 9005 for high. Some base trims may use 9007 dual‑filament. Always confirm via the glovebox manual or the marking on the headlamp housing before purchase.

Can LED bulbs be fitted legally to the 2006 Impreza?

If the car left the factory with halogen, swapping to LED “retrofit” bulbs in the same housing may not meet ADR (AU) or WOF (NZ) requirements unless the complete lamp assembly is approved. Roadworthiness and beam pattern are the key issues—use approved lamps or stick with quality halogens.

Why do new bulbs fail quickly?

Common causes include touching the glass (oil hotspots), poor earths or connectors, over‑voltage from a charging issue, vibration from loose fittings, or using over‑wattage bulbs. Handle bulbs with clean gloves, fix any wiring/earth faults, and use the specified wattage to extend service life.