AL Projector (“E46”) Identification Chart PDF

I put together a nice cheatsheet to help identify the right type of AL projector when you are looking at listings or out at a salvage yard.

Download the full PDF: AL Projector Identification Guide

The AL Projector Guide (V1).

 

You want to look for “Gen 2” projectors, they have the best optics and the wiring is simple. Gen 1 requires a solenoid controller for bi-xenon functionality.

Remember that aftermarket ballasts only run D2S bulbs. To use D1/D3/D4 bulbs you need an OEM ballast. D2S bulbs will fit in any of these projectors. The ones with octagon-shaped bulb holders might need a simple modification to allow them to take D2S bulbs. All of them with black plastic rings are designed specifically for D2S.

Low Beam Patterns

High Beam Patterns

Notes

Links to Full Images (click to show)
lowbeam volvo AL h11 stock lens rebased morimoto 4300k bulb bmw ballast
lowbeam volvo AL h11 stock lens rebased morimoto 4300k bulb bmw ballast
lowbeam myheadlight replica e46 included clear lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam myheadlight replica e46 included clear lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam bmw e46 al gen1 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam bmw e46 al gen1 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam bmw e46 al gen1 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam bmw e46 al gen1 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam audi a4 al gen2 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam audi a4 al gen2 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam audi a4 al gen2 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
lowbeam audi a4 al gen2 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam myheadlight replica e46 osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam myheadlight replica e46 osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam bmw e46 al gen1 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam bmw e46 al gen1 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam bmw e46 al gen1 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam bmw e46 al gen1 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam audi a4 al gen2 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam audi a4 al gen2 stock lens osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam audi a4 al gen2 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast
highbeam audi a4 al gen2 lensswap osram oem bulb bmw al ballast