It's definitely in the only way it fits. There is a clear plastic oring if that's what you are talking about.
What's strange is that the passenger side is installed identically. The large notch in the housing is in the same place, the bulb inserts in the same orientation, and rotates to the right to lock in. Not sure why one side would project differently if everything is the same. I guess i could try switching the bulbs but that means taking the airbox out again. I still haven't been able to get it to snap back to where its supposed to go.