What Kind of Headlight Bulb Is in the 2013 Audi S4?

The 2013 Audi S4 typically uses D3S HID (xenon) bulbs for its low beams on models equipped with factory xenon headlights, while high beams and daytime running lights use separate halogen or LED elements depending on the trim and market. However, the exact bulb types can vary by equipment package (Premium Plus vs. Prestige), region, and whether the car has adaptive/auto-leveling headlights, so owners should confirm based on VIN or physical inspection.

Contents

Understanding the 2013 Audi S4 Headlight Setup
Factory Low-Beam Headlight Bulb: D3S Xenon
High Beams, DRLs, and Other Front Lighting Bulbs
How to Confirm Your Exact Bulb Type
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What to Choose for Replacement
Summary

Understanding the 2013 Audi S4 Headlight Setup

The 2013 Audi S4, part of the B8.5 facelift generation, was sold with advanced lighting packages that differ from basic A4 models of the same era. Most S4s in North America came standard with xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, but the internal configuration of low beam, high beam, and auxiliary bulbs can still vary. This makes it important to distinguish between the primary low-beam xenon bulb and other headlight-related bulbs in the assembly.

Factory Low-Beam Headlight Bulb: D3S Xenon

For the core question—what bulb runs the main headlight beam on a typical 2013 Audi S4—the answer centers on the factory xenon system. Audi used high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs for the low beams on the S4, giving the car its characteristic bright white light and sharp beam pattern.

Main Low-Beam Bulb Type

On most 2013 Audi S4 models with OEM xenon headlights, the low-beam bulb specification is:

Type: D3S HID (xenon gas-discharge bulb)

Wattage: Typically 35W (standard for OEM automotive HID)

Color temperature (factory): Around 4300K–4500K (white with a slight warm tint)

Socket/base: D3S-specific base; not interchangeable with D1S, D2S, or D4S without modification

Ballast: Each D3S bulb works with an external HID ballast integrated into the headlight system

These details mean that if you’re replacing the primary headlight bulb (the low beam), you should look specifically for a quality D3S HID bulb that matches OEM spec, especially if you want consistent color and brightness with the remaining original bulb.

Why D3S and Not Another HID Type?

Audi moved to D3S and other mercury-free HID types around this period to meet environmental standards and take advantage of newer bulb designs. D3S bulbs differ from the older D1S/D2S types in voltage and internal construction, so using the wrong bulb type can cause poor performance or damage.

High Beams, DRLs, and Other Front Lighting Bulbs

Although the low beam is the focus of most replacement questions, the 2013 Audi S4 front lighting assembly includes more than one bulb or light source. These additional components vary depending on whether the car has adaptive headlights, the specific market, and optional equipment.

Common Additional Bulb Types in the 2013 S4 Headlight Assembly

The following outlines the typical front lighting configuration found on many 2013 Audi S4 models, separate from the main D3S low beam:

High beam: Often an H7 halogen bulb in a reflector section of the headlight, used for flash-to-pass and high-beam function.

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): Integrated LED light strips around or within the headlight unit, not user-replaceable as a standard “bulb.” If they fail, the LED module or the full assembly is usually replaced.

Front turn signal: Typically a PY21W / 7507 amber bulb in many markets, though some trims may have LED-based indicators.

Parking/position light (if separate): In some combinations, a small W5W/T10 wedge bulb is used; in others, the DRL/LED strip fulfills the position-light role.

Fog lights (in the lower bumper): Often H11 halogen bulbs, separate from the main headlight unit, depending on region and package.

Because these secondary bulbs differ by region and trim, the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a parts catalog keyed to your VIN is the safest way to verify each specific socket type beyond the low-beam HID.

How to Confirm Your Exact Bulb Type

While D3S is overwhelmingly the standard low-beam bulb on 2013 S4s with OEM xenon, there are occasional differences across markets or in cars with swapped or aftermarket headlight units. Verifying the bulb type before purchase helps avoid returns and compatibility issues.

Steps to Verify Correct Headlight Bulb

The best way to confirm the exact headlight bulb type for your specific 2013 Audi S4 is to combine documentation with a quick physical or electronic check.

Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Bulbs” or “Lights” section, which usually lists low beam, high beam, fog, and indicator bulb types.

Inspect the bulb housing label: On the back of the headlight assembly, there is often a molded label or sticker indicating “D3S” near the low-beam access cover if the car uses that type.

Run a VIN-based parts lookup: Use the VIN on Audi’s official parts catalog or a reputable OEM parts website to see the exact bulb specification for your build.

Physically remove one bulb: If comfortable doing so, pull one low-beam bulb and check the markings; D3S will be clearly printed on the bulb body.

Check for aftermarket headlight units: If previous owners installed non-OEM or custom headlight assemblies, they may use different bulb types (frequently H7 or an LED conversion), in which case OEM specs won’t match.

Following these steps ensures that the bulb you purchase matches the actual hardware on your car, accounting for factory options and any modifications made by previous owners.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What to Choose for Replacement

When replacing D3S bulbs in a 2013 Audi S4, you face a choice between OEM-equivalent parts from major manufacturers and cheaper aftermarket options. The S4’s HID system is sensitive to bulb quality, so the decision can affect light color, lifespan, and even error messages.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Replacement D3S Bulb

The following factors can help S4 owners select the right replacement D3S HID bulb for the best balance of performance, reliability, and cost.

Brand quality: OEM suppliers such as Osram and Philips are strongly favored for consistent color, full brightness, and long life, especially on cars with sensitive electronics like the S4.

Color temperature: Factory is around 4300K–4500K. “Cooler” bulbs at 5000K–6000K look whiter or slightly blue but may have marginally lower usable light in bad weather.

Replace in pairs: HID bulbs color-shift and dim over time, so replacing only one can leave mismatched color and brightness between sides.

Canbus/error-free claims: While D3S bulbs don’t work like LED “error-free” kits, using proper OEM-grade bulbs minimizes the risk of bulb-out warnings or flicker.

Warranty and authenticity: Buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit HID bulbs, which are common and often much dimmer or shorter-lived than genuine parts.

Being deliberate with these choices helps maintain the S4’s original lighting performance and avoids frequent rework from premature bulb failures or compatibility problems.

Summary

The 2013 Audi S4 almost universally uses a D3S HID xenon bulb for its factory low-beam headlights, supported by a separate H7 high beam, LED daytime running lights, and additional halogen or LED bulbs for turn signals, parking lights, and fogs depending on region and trim. Because options, markets, and possible aftermarket headlight swaps can introduce variation, owners should confirm the bulb type through the owner’s manual, VIN-based parts lookup, headlight labels, or direct inspection before ordering replacements. Choosing high-quality D3S bulbs from reputable brands and replacing them in pairs preserves the car’s original lighting performance and prevents mismatched color and brightness across the front of the vehicle.

How much is a 2013 Audi S4 worth?

The price for a used 2013 Audi S4 varies widely, typically ranging from about $8,999 to $19,900. This price depends on factors like the specific trim (Premium Plus or Prestige), mileage, condition, and options. For context, the original MSRP for the 2013 model ranged from approximately $47,600 to $56,145.

Used price examples

Low end: Around $8,999 to $12,900 for models with higher mileage or some condition issues.
Mid-range: Approximately $13,000 to $16,000 for models in good condition with average mileage.
High end: Up to $19,900 for well-maintained examples with lower mileage or specific packages.

Factors affecting price

Trim: The Prestige trim was originally more expensive and often commands a higher resale price than the Premium Plus.
Mileage: Vehicles with lower mileage generally have higher prices.
Condition: Accidents, service history, and overall wear and tear significantly impact the price.
Options: Additional packages, like the sports differential or premium audio system, can increase the car’s value.

Is H11 a low beam or high beam?

An H11 bulb is typically a low beam or fog light, though some vehicles may use it for high beams. It is designed to provide a wider beam for better side visibility, unlike high-beam bulbs which have a more focused beam.

Low beam/fog light: H11 bulbs are most commonly used for low beams and fog lights.
High beam: Some vehicles may use H11 bulbs for high beams, but this is less common.
Beam pattern: The H11 is designed to cast a wider beam, making it ideal for lighting up the sides of the road.

Important: Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm the correct bulb type for your low beams, high beams, and fog lights, as they can vary by make and model.

Are H11 and H7 bulbs the same?

No, H7 and H11 bulbs are not the same and cannot be used interchangeably because they have different base designs, socket types, and dimensions. The primary differences are their base configuration and the type of application they are designed for; H7 bulbs are often used for both low and high beams, while H11 bulbs are typically for low beams or fog lights.
Key differences between H7 and H11 bulbs

Feature	H7	H11
Base/Socket Design	PX26d base with two bare prongs	PGJ19-2 base with two encased prongs
Application	Low and high beams	Low beams and fog lights
Dimensions	Larger diameter (~26 mm)	Smaller diameter (~19 mm)
Interchangeability	Not interchangeable with H11	Not interchangeable with H7

Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct bulb type for your vehicle.
Examine the existing bulb: Take out the old bulb and look for the bulb number printed on its base.
Use an online bulb finder: Many automotive parts websites have tools that can look up the correct bulb for your specific vehicle.

What type of headlights does Audi use?

matrix LED headlights
Finally, matrix LED headlights are at the top of the Audi lighting technology food chain, providing illumination that’s both intuitive and proactive. The goal is to light the way for the driver without blinding oncoming traffic.