The Audi R8 high beam and low beam headlight bulbs utilize D3S and D1S size specifications. The replacement chart covers vehicle production years spanning 2008 to 2015 with corresponding bulb size data.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Mercury-free HID (xenon) discharge bulb with PK32d-5 base and integral ignitor, for projector-type housings. 42V, 35W.
The D1S and D3S bulb types are the two HID (xenon) discharge formats specified for the Audi R8 across its listed model years. Both operate at 35W and are built to the ECE standard recognized in Europe and worldwide, and both are designed exclusively for projector-type headlight housings.
Despite sharing the same wattage, the D1S and D3S differ significantly in operating voltage. The D1S runs at 85V, while the D3S runs at 42V. This difference reflects distinct ignition and arc-gap designs, making the two types electrically incompatible with each other.
The D1S uses a PK32d-2 base, whereas the D3S uses a PK32d-5 base. These base configurations are physically different, which prevents cross-installation between the two bulb types regardless of their shared wattage rating.
Both bulb types incorporate an integral ignitor, meaning the high-voltage starting component is built directly into the bulb unit rather than housed separately in the ballast circuit. This design is a defining characteristic of D-series HID bulbs.
A notable distinction between the two types concerns mercury content. The D3S is a mercury-free formulation, a characteristic that aligns with later environmental regulations under ECE standards. The D1S does not carry this designation in the specifications.
For the Audi R8, the D1S bulb is specified for both high beam and low beam positions across the 2008-2012 model years. The 2015 model year uses the D3S for both positions instead. The two bulb types are not interchangeable between these model years due to their differing base types and operating voltages.
The condition "With HID Headlamps" is noted across all listed entries for both beam positions, indicating that the D-series bulb specifications apply only to vehicles equipped with HID headlamp systems.