Modern main headlights are far more than simple light sources — they integrate the low and high beams, sometimes daytime running lights and indicators, all within a single lens-and-reflector assembly that is engineered specifically for each vehicle's aerodynamic profile and homologation requirements. When a headlight housing cracks, turns foggy with condensation, or suffers a shattered lens after a stone strike, the entire unit usually requires replacement rather than repair; the sealed optics make individual component swaps impractical on most current designs. A further and increasingly common failure mode is water ingress through a degraded seal, which causes the reflector coating to fleck away and dramatically reduces the beam pattern's reach over time. Because headlight geometry — beam cut-off height and side deflection angle — is tied to the unit's exact mounting points and lens profile, an incorrect replacement risks both poor forward illumination and dazzle for oncoming traffic. The OE reference is your guarantee that the replacement unit matches the original optical certification. Van Wezel and Valeo cover a wide range of factory-equipment equivalents, while ABAKUS and KLOKKERHOLM supply affordable alternatives across European passenger cars.
Every headlight on this page lists the OE numbers TecDoc associates with specific vehicle variants, including left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions, trim levels, and production year ranges. Use the make, model, and year selector to narrow the results, then cross-check against the part number printed on the back of your existing unit or in the vehicle's electronic parts catalogue. Headlights are often handed — left and right are not interchangeable — so confirm the side as well as the model reference.
OEM headlights are produced to the original vehicle builder's optical and dimensional specifications, often by companies like Valeo, and carry the precise OE reference. Quality aftermarket units from established names such as Van Wezel or ABAKUS are manufactured to equivalent tolerances and pass the same ECE homologation. Budget units may use inferior reflector coatings or cheaper sealing compounds that lead to condensation, degraded beam quality, and shortened service life — problems that can also affect annual roadworthiness testing.
For most vehicles manufactured before 2015 with conventional halogen reflector units, bulb-only replacement is straightforward and cost-effective. However, projector housings — particularly bi-xenon and full-LED designs — are typically sealed modules where the light source cannot be replaced independently without voiding the optical calibration. If the housing itself is physically damaged, fogged, or has a flaking reflector, a complete replacement unit is the correct repair regardless of the bulb type.
Visible cracks or shattering in the lens cover are the most obvious indicators. Persistent fogging or condensation that doesn't clear after the vehicle has been running for a while points to a failed seal, which will progressively destroy the reflector surface. A noticeably shortened beam reach at night — where the road ahead seems darker than it used to — often means the reflector coating has begun to degrade. Yellowing of the polycarbonate lens is another common issue on older vehicles, and significantly reduces light output even when the bulb is healthy.
Showing 100 of 15,095 Main headlight OE numbers. Enter the OE on the main OE search to jump to any reference.
