VW Amarok I (2010-2022) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and History

The first-generation Volkswagen Amarok debuted in 2010 as the first pickup truck from the VW Group, designed for the global market. Production began at a plant in Argentina, and later the model was also manufactured in Germany. The first generation remained in production until 2022, although sales ended earlier in some regions due to the arrival of the Amarok II, co-developed with the Ford Ranger.

 

Platform and Construction

The Amarok I is built on a separate ladder frame chassis, typical for off-road vehicles and pickups. The rear suspension is dependent (leaf spring or coil spring, depending on the version), while the front suspension is independent. All-wheel-drive versions were equipped with the 4Motion system featuring a Torsen center differential and a low-range gearbox.

 

Engines and Transmissions

The engine lineup was predominantly diesel:

  • 2.0 TDI – 163 HP (from 2010);
  • 3.0 TDI – 204 HP (after 2016, power was increased to 224 HP);
  • Gasoline 2.0 TSI – 211 HP (a rare version for select markets).

Transmission options: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic (after the 2016 facelift), or 6-speed DSG (on early models).

 

2016 Facelift

In 2016, the Amarok I received updates:

  • Redesigned front end (new grille, LED headlights);
  • More powerful 3.0 TDI (224 HP);
  • Improved interior (multimedia system with a larger screen, upgraded materials).

 

Variants and Trim Levels

  • SingleCab – Two-door version with a shortened cabin;
  • DoubleCab – Four-door version with a five-seat interior;
  • Aventura – Top trim with leather upholstery and full equipment;
  • Extreme – Off-road version with increased ground clearance and underbody protection.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP/EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew two screws and remove two push pins (there may be four screws) securing the upper part of the front bumper (radiator grille).
  3. From underneath, unscrew four screws (fastened from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  4. Turn the wheels to the side.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side securing the fender liners (front part) and one screw (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  6. Remove the license plate along with its frame and unscrew two screws behind it.
  7. Remove the decorative trim near the fog lights (held by clips) and unscrew two screws underneath.
  8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners outward).
  9. With an assistant, remove the bumper by pulling it forward (ensure wiring is not damaged).
  10. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

mounting points of the front bumper VW Amarok I

VW Amarok I Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Disconnect the license plate lighting connectors (and other electrical components if present).
  2. From underneath, unscrew four bolts (two nuts) securing the reinforcement brackets to the frame rails (a sturdy breaker bar with a socket or a powerful impact wrench may be needed).
  3. With an assistant, pull the brackets out of the body (significant force may be required).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Amarok I

VW Amarok I rear bumper mounting diagram

Cargo Capabilities

The payload capacity reached 1.1 tons, while towing capacity was up to 3.5 tons (depending on the engine). The bed length ranged from 1.55 to 2.52 meters (in the long-bed version).

Safety and Technology

Standard systems included ESP, ABS, and airbags. After the facelift, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist were added.

Markets and Competition

The Amarok I was sold in Europe, Latin America, Australia, and Africa. Its main competitors were the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Name – "Amarok" means "wolf" in the Inuit language.
  • Power Record – In 2018, tuning company ABT Sportsline unveiled a version with 310 HP.
  • Expedition Vehicle – The Amarok was used in polar expeditions due to its reliability.
  • Hybrid Version – A prototype Amarok with a hybrid powertrain was tested in 2021 but never entered production.

 

Conclusion

The first Amarok was a significant model for Volkswagen, proving that the German brand could produce competitive pickup trucks. It was praised for its comfort, off-road capability, and cargo capacity. In 2022, it was replaced by the Amarok II, developed on the Ford Ranger T6 platform.