http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

as i'd always suspected

As most people already knew. I've fitted a set to my A6 projectors (three years ago) - they're considered OEM at MOT and the beam pattern is perfect. The only difference is they have no self levelling.

its interesting though, that even factory fitted ones aren't actually legal in UK, but because europe approve them UK can't refuse