Renault Fluence 2009-2016: How to Remove the Bumpers

The Renault Fluence is a compact sedan developed by the French automaker for the international market. The model stood out for its modern design, spacious interior, and affordable price. While it didn’t become a bestseller in Europe, it gained popularity in CIS countries, Turkey, and South America.

Production Years and Model Codes

The Renault Fluence was produced from 2009 to 2016. The car was part of Renault’s global strategy and was built on the Renault-Nissan C platform, which was also used for the Megane III and Nissan Sentra.

Key model codes:

• L58 (2009–2013) – First generation, designed for Europe and other markets.
• X95 (2013–2016) – Facelifted version with an updated design and improved features.

After 2016, production of the Fluence was discontinued as Renault shifted its focus to crossovers and electric vehicles.

 

Model Overview

Design

The Fluence was designed as a classic sedan, emphasizing elegance and practicality. The first version (2009–2013) featured smooth lines, a large grille, and an elongated body. After the 2013 facelift, the car received a more aggressive front end with updated headlights and a redesigned bumper.

Interior

The Fluence’s cabin offered ample passenger space, especially in the rear. Trim materials varied by trim level: base versions had simple plastics, while higher trims featured soft-touch materials and leather upholstery. The dashboard was minimalist, with an intuitive infotainment system (including navigation in top configurations).

Technical Specifications

The car was equipped with various engines, depending on the market:

• Petrol: 1.6L (110–115 HP), 2.0L (140 HP)
• Diesel: 1.5 dCi (90–110 HP), 1.6 dCi (130 HP)
• Transmissions: 5- or 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (early versions), X-Tronic CVT (post-facelift).

An electric version, the Renault Fluence Z.E. (2011–2014), was also available but did not gain widespread popularity due to its limited range (~185 km).

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Despite visual differences between the pre- and post-facelift versions, the bumpers are attached in nearly the same way.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Lift and secure the hood.
2. Under the hood, locate and remove eight Torx T20 screws securing the top of the front bumper. (Note: One screw is hidden under the air intake.)
3. Move under the car and remove seven 10mm bolts holding the deflector.
4. For the sides:
   • Remove three (or two) screws in each wheel arch securing the fender liners to the bumper.
   • Behind the liners, inside the fenders, remove one screw per side (fastened top to bottom) attaching the bumper to the fender brackets.
5. Disconnect electrical connectors behind the left fender liner.
6. Release the clips in the fenders by pushing the bumper corners from inside.
7. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward to remove it.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. First, remove the taillights:
   • Inside the trunk, unscrew two bolts per side to release the taillights from their mounts, then pull them out.
2. Below the taillights, remove four clips securing the top of the rear bumper.
3. For the lower section:
   • Under the car, remove four Torx screws and three 10mm bolts (fastened bottom to top).
4. In the wheel arches:
   • Remove three screws per side securing the fender liners to the bumper (use a Torx bit and ratchet to avoid wheel removal).
   • Pull back the liners and remove one screw per side attaching the bumper corners to the fenders.
5. Release the clips in the fenders by pulling the bumper corners outward.
6. Press the retainers under the taillights with your fingers.
7. With an assistant, pull the bumper rearward to remove it. Disconnect parking sensor connectors on the left side.

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Interesting Facts

• Different Versions for Different Markets: In Europe, the Fluence was marketed as a premium sedan, while in Turkey, Russia, and Argentina, it was positioned as an affordable family car.
• EV with Swappable Batteries: The Fluence Z.E. supported battery-swapping technology, but the project was not commercially successful.
• Taxi Popularity: Thanks to its reliable diesel engines and durable suspension, the Fluence was widely used as a taxi, especially in Eastern Europe.
• Successor – Renault Talisman: After the Fluence was discontinued, it was replaced by the larger, more modern Talisman, which did not achieve the same mass appeal.

 

Pros of the Renault Fluence

• Spacious interior – One of the most comfortable in its class, with generous legroom.
• Reliable engines – Particularly the 1.5 dCi diesel, capable of over 300,000 km with proper maintenance.
• Affordable price – On the used market, the Fluence remains one of the best-value sedans in its segment.
• Comfortable suspension – Handles rough roads well, ideal for regions with poor road conditions.

Cons of the Model

• Weak acceleration – Especially in petrol versions with an automatic transmission.
• Outdated automatic transmission – The 4-speed hydraulic unit was not particularly smooth.
• Electrical issues – Some units experienced glitches in the infotainment system and sensors.
• Body corrosion – In cold climates with road salt, rust could develop.

 

Conclusion

The Renault Fluence is a practical and budget-friendly sedan suited for those who value comfort and reliability without overpaying for a brand. Despite some flaws, it remains a solid choice on the used market, especially in diesel variants. However, before purchasing, it’s advisable to check the service history and inspect the body for hidden issues.