Sue,
The E means it comforms to European standard, like DOT means it conforms to
American Standards (sucks). The 1 means the headlamp was approved for use in
Germany, the 3 in Italy (each country has its own approval process).
I got this info off the Stern Lighting web site. Look for the "Codes" page.
No mention of what the X means. Perhaps export??
Bill
90 Westy Syncro.

>They are stamped "E 3" within a circle - I assume this has some meaning and
is
>different from the "E 1" markings that I've seen on other lights.
>Does anyone know what the "E x" stamp means and how a E3 is different from
a
>E1, for instance?
>I figured that for a price of $30.00 for the pair including Osram H-4 bulbs
>they were worth a gamble.
>What remains to be seen is how much trouble I'll have retrofitting them to
my
>Vanagon and how the light distribution looks once they're fitted.
>Oh well, I've got an extra light bracket and grill - guess they're worth
>sacrificing in the name of better vision.
>
>Sam Bateman
>Fork Union, VA
>'87 Vanagon GL
>