What are the VW part numbers for bi-xenon e-code headlights?

I recently attempted the ZKW-R clear lens swap, but was not happy with size/fitment, so I aborted the mission. Now I'm obsessed with improving my stock lighting...

Back in my Audi A4 days, lots of folks upgraded stock US HID housings to european (e-code, ECE) HID housings for ~$500. I loved it, and now want that for my GTI. It's gotta be OEM - no replicas, knockoffs, etc.

How much do new VW e-code headlight housings cost, and why cant I find them on any of the tuning sites? Assuming it's a cost issue, my next step might be german ebay to see if I can find used/broken housings at a good price since I only need the clear lenses and RV shields.

So, back to my actual question...does anyone know what the VW p/n is for european bi-xenon headlight housings?

I am running the gti look halogen e-code headlights. They look exactly like the oem xenon headlights but are e-code and hold a h7 bulb. They also aren't self leveling or bi-xenon. I threw a HID kit from TRS in them and they are awesome. I bought them from ecs but find them on their website for some reason.


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I had a little more luck tracking information down, so I'll consolidate and share for the archive...

VWoA doesn't allow North America dealers to import euro headlights since they dont comply with US DOT regulations. I'm sure there are ways around it, but the $1000-$1500 price tag for a pair of new housings probably puts a nail in the coffin for most people. Grabbing a used set is certainly an option, so I'll share the part numbers I found:

1K6 941 039 - Left headlight for right-hand traffic only
1K6 941 040 - Right headlight for right-hand traffic only

1K6 941 039 B - Left headlight; US design
1K6 941 040 B - Right headlight; US design

1K6 941 039 A - Left headlight for left-hand traffic only
1K6 941 040 A - Right headlight for left-hand traffic only

Note: Old superseded part numbers have a suffix of 031 (left) and 032 (right)

The genuine VW bi-xenon headlights are manufactured by Automotive Lighting (Bosch), and use a Bosch E46 projector assembly. Several other manufacturers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes use the exact same Bosch E46 projector assembly, so spare/interchangeable parts will be available. I grabbed a pair of European Bosch E46 projectors from ebay last night, and plan to use the clear lens and euro RV shield. So for roughly $65, I will have converted my stock US bi-xenon projectors to e-codes. :happyanim:

It's probably worth mentioning that I was tripped up by Hella "xenon look" projector housings a few times. From the outside, they look identical to the OEM bi-xenon housing at half the price. Adding to the confusion, lots of ebay sellers reference the VW p/n, which is completely false. The Hella lights contain Hella projector assemblies designed for a HALOGEN bulb. They do not have auto level or bi-xenon capability. Don't get fooled by these housings...

I'm sure this is boring to most people, but for the few that read this far, I hope it helps save you some time. I'll try to get good before/during/after photos, and if I can come up with a way to bench test, I'll do it.

Thanks for the post! My original headlights are starting to show signs of cloudiness (shoulda put Lamin-X on when I got the car) so I'm interested in housing options too.

After installing the e46 hardware, what's involved as far as VAG-COM goes?

Zach L said:

After installing the e46 hardware, what's involved as far as VAG-COM goes?

Click to expand...

I'm just changing the internal lens and rv shield, so no vagcom changes required - they're both a direct swap. Waiting for the parts to arrive is killing me...

What benefit does replacing only those parts do? Is the new lens and rv shield better somehow? Is the US stock lens not "clear" whatever that means?

The swap boils down to the difference in US DOT and European lighting laws that define beam patterns. European lenses are crystal clear, but US lenses aren't (ours has a big fat line running through the center). The US lens produces a soft, fuzzy cutoff between light and dark, which reduces the "flicker" effect for other drivers. European lenses are very crisp.

The RV shields are different too, which affects lighting pattern. It's hard to describe, but the US pattern is basically flat, and the European pattern has more pronounced steps, which throws more light on the right hand side of the road. With so many unlit (or sparsely lit) roads here in Texas, this comes in handy.

Here's the thread that got me started on my lighting (w/pics):
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158207&highlight=zkw-r

Thanks Ken! I drive at night in rural Texas quite often... definitely could have used some better lighting this Memorial weekend.

I'm going to start looking at some parts. Thanks for the info.

I want to do this.

Woot! The projectors finally arrived from Turkey, and have exceeded my expectations. :thumbup: They appear to be new AND genuine Automotive Lighting projectors. The lenses are perfectly clear, and match the exact height/diameter of the US lens. I also got the adjustable euro/RV shields too. SWEET!!

I'm so psyched about this, I'm going to contact the ebay seller to see if they can sell me a bunch of lenses and/or shields.

I'd like to bench test to provide good us/euro comparison shots, but I don't know if I will be able to. At the very least, I'll try to get in car shots. The chances are slim, but if there's someone in Houston that has a D2S ballast and PC power supply for testing, let me know!






US lens for reference

If you're able to get a bunch, I would be interested in a set.

The clear lenses are in, but our little Canon Powershot isn't up to the task of getting good comparison shots. The cutoff is much more defined now, and the light looks brighter. I'm happy with the mod, but I don't think it's one of those overwhelming "I've gotta have it" things.

The change is very noticeable in real life, but you can barely see any difference in the photos. Sorry, I tried everything for you guys...bench testing with a hacked up xbox power supply and various night shots, but they all suck. :frown:

Here are the photos, for what they're worth:

US lenses:


Clear euro lenses:

They look to put more light to the sides and straight ahead and less light up and down

I don't see that much of a difference from the pictures. How is it on the highway? I'm in need of new lenses at this point. I was about to order the zkw-r from TRS, but I wanted to make sure everything would go smoothly :/

Yeah, the pictures are awful. There's a clear difference in real life, but it's hard to capture with a little point and shoot camera. It's a subtle change overall, but that's part of why I like it.

As long as you're ok with the slight size difference, TRS lenses will be fine. I get a little OCD about things sometimes, so I went the OEM route. I doubt there is any real world difference in light output between OEM and TRS. For the price, you cant really beat it...and use the code TRSRCFS for free shipping. :thumbsup:

I didn't get a chance to log too many night time hours before taking my car apart for a suspension swap. My initial impression of highways and completely dark roads are excellent, but I don't have a long term review yet. I log miles super slow, so it'll take a while, but if I notice anything else (good or bad) I'll update here.