Honestly, there aren't that many people around who've retrofitted. I think we number about 10 or so on this forum.
But to answer your question:
Yes, the E46 is a direct replacement for the stock halogen projector.
But, No, you don't HAVE to get the E46. If you can get another projector to fit, then by all means go for it. Keep in mind, however, that there's absolutely zero work involved in doing an E46 retrofit... ok, I exagerrate, but in comparison to what other people (on HIDPlanet.com) have to go through to get OEM HID installed on their cars, the work is minimal. For any other projector-type, you'd most probably have to do some hacking, some fabricating... some JBWelding... etc. With the E46 there's none of that. Remove the old projector and put in the new projector. Everything lines up perfectly. Also, were are now starting to become aware of the fact that the 06 Mazda6 that comes with HIDs stock actually use a very similar projector to the E46.
Here's a list of projectors that I know of, that have been attempted on Mazda6 headlights:
But to answer your question:
Yes, the E46 is a direct replacement for the stock halogen projector.
But, No, you don't HAVE to get the E46. If you can get another projector to fit, then by all means go for it. Keep in mind, however, that there's absolutely zero work involved in doing an E46 retrofit... ok, I exagerrate, but in comparison to what other people (on HIDPlanet.com) have to go through to get OEM HID installed on their cars, the work is minimal. For any other projector-type, you'd most probably have to do some hacking, some fabricating... some JBWelding... etc. With the E46 there's none of that. Remove the old projector and put in the new projector. Everything lines up perfectly. Also, were are now starting to become aware of the fact that the 06 Mazda6 that comes with HIDs stock actually use a very similar projector to the E46.
Here's a list of projectors that I know of, that have been attempted on Mazda6 headlights:
- Justin6s has E55 projectors.
- robinlb has redone his retrofit several times using different projectors and I believe he finally settled on FX projectors.
- The remaining members who've retofitted have used E46... myself included.
