Audi HID Bulb Replacement Guide

This guide is only for Audi models that came from the factory with HID (Xenon or Bi-Xenon) headlamps. Many Audis in the same body style were also sold with halogen or full LED trims, and any car that originally had halogen and was later converted will not use a factory D-series bulb or OEM ballast configuration. Always confirm by checking the bulb code stamped on the capsule before ordering.

Audi adopted factory HID early on the B5 A4 and C5 A6 and has used three main D-series bulb types across its model range. Early projector systems use D2S bulbs corresponding to Audi/VW part numbers such as N 10445701. Later systems shifted to D1S bulbs with an integrated igniter, matched to Audi/VW part numbers N 10566101 and N 10566103. Most 2008+ Xenon Plus headlamps moved to D3S bulbs, corresponding to Audi/VW part number N 10721806; many of these lamps still use replaceable HID capsules even when paired with LED daytime running lights.

Factory HID Models (Audi)

A3
2006 Xenon — D2S
2007–2008 Xenon — D1S
2009–2016 Xenon / Xenon Plus — D3S
2017+ A3 / S3 Xenon trims — bulb type can vary; check the code on the bulb and housing before ordering

A4
1999–2001 Xenon — D2S
2002–2008 B6/B7 Xenon / Bi-Xenon — D1S
2009–2016 B8 Bi-Xenon / Xenon Plus — D3S
2017+ B9 Bi-Xenon trims — often listed as D5S in European catalogues; treat any D5S or D3S listing as check-the-bulb-first and confirm by reading the code on the capsule

A5 / S5 / RS5
2008–2016 Xenon Plus — generally use D3S capsules; confirm the D3S marking on the bulb base before ordering

A6
1999–2008 C5 and early C6 Xenon — D2S
2009–2015 late C6 / C7 Xenon / Xenon Plus — D3S
2016–2018 C7 facelift Xenon trims — typically D3S; check the bulb code on the capsule to confirm

A7
2012–2015 4G Xenon / Xenon Plus — D3S
2016–2018 Xenon trims — usually D3S, but verify by reading the code on the bulb

A8
1998–2010 D2/D3 Xenon — D2S
2011–2014 D4 Xenon trims — D3S
2015–2017 later D4 Xenon trims — generally D3S; check the bulb marking before ordering

Q3
2015–2016 8U Xenon — D3S
2017–2018 Xenon trims — likely D3S; confirm by checking the part number on the bulb

Q5
2010–2017 8R Xenon Plus — D3S

Q7
2007–2009 4L Bi-Xenon — D1S
2010–2015 4L Xenon / Xenon Plus — D3S
2016+ 4M Xenon trims — bulb type varies by package; check the code on the bulb and the label on the headlamp housing

TT
2000–2006 8N Xenon — D2S
2007–2015 8J Xenon — D1S

R8
2008–2012 42 Xenon trims — D1S
2013–2015 later 42 Xenon trims — most sources still list D1S, but coverage is inconsistent; confirm the bulb type by checking the code on the capsule

Related Guides

D1S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D2S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D3S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
Factory HID Bulb Guide — All Makes & Models

Audi HID FAQs

My B8 A4 has factory Xenon Plus. What bulb do I need?
All B8 A4 Bi-Xenon / Xenon Plus headlamps use D3S. Confirm by pulling one bulb and checking that it is stamped D3S on the base and or has a green connector

Why do some sites say my B9 A4 uses D5S?
European parts catalogues often list D5S for B9 Bi-Xenon trims, but North American coverage varies. We treat any B9 D5S listing as a check-the-bulb-first case and recommend confirming the code on your capsule before ordering.

Can I run D1S in a D3S Audi housing?
No. D1S and D3S use different electrical and ignition designs and are not interchangeable without changing the matching ballast and wiring.

Not sure what you have?
Email a close-up photo of the bulb and connector, or call us at 647‑547‑1962 and we'll help you identify it before you order.