VW Golf 7 (2012-2020): How to Remove the Bumpers

Volkswagen Golf 7: Generation Overview

The Volkswagen Golf 7 is the seventh generation of the legendary compact hatchback, produced from 2012 to 2020. This model continued the success of its predecessors, offering an improved platform, modern technologies, and a variety of modifications.

Production Years and Platform

  • Start of production: Fall 2012 (European market).
  • Facelift: 2017 (updated design, new technologies).
  • End of production: 2020 (replaced by Golf 8 in Europe). In some countries, such as Russia, production continued until 2023 under the name VW Golf VII Plus.
  • The Golf 7 was the first Volkswagen model built on the modular MQB platform, which reduced weight, improved safety, and standardized components with other group models (Audi A3, Skoda Octavia).

 

Key Modifications

  • Golf – Base version with petrol and diesel engines:
    • Petrol: 1.2 TSI (85–110 HP), 1.4 TSI (122–150 HP), 1.5 TSI (post-facelift, 130–150 HP), 2.0 TSI (220–300 HP in Golf GTI/R).
    • Diesel: 1.6 TDI (90–110 HP), 2.0 TDI (150–184 HP).
  • Golf GTI – Sporty version with 2.0 TSI (220–245 HP), red-trimmed grille, and reinforced suspension.
  • Golf R – Top-tier model with 4Motion all-wheel drive and 2.0 TSI (300–310 HP), accelerating 0–100 km/h in 4.6–4.9 sec.
  • Golf GTE – Hybrid (1.4 TSI + electric motor, 204 HP, ~50 km electric range).
  • e-Golf – Fully electric version (until 2019, ~230 km NEDC range).
  • Golf Variant – Station wagon with increased trunk space (605 L).
  • Golf Sportsvan – Compact MPV with raised seating (discontinued in 2020).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew two screws (fastened top to bottom) and remove the radiator grille (first release the upper part from the clips, then tilt it toward you and pull upward).
  3. From the underside, unscrew seven screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part of the front bumper.
  4. Turn the wheels outward.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side and release the fender liners (front part).
  6. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one screw on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
  8. Release the clips under the radiator grille.
  9. With an assistant, remove the front bumper forward (ensure wires and hoses are not damaged).
  10. Disconnect electrical connectors.
  11. If the car has headlight washers, disconnect the hose from the reservoir (fluid will leak; prepare a container or plug).

VW Golf 7 Front Bumper Mounting Locations

VW Golf 7 Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Open the access panels in the trunk side trim.
  3. Through the panels, unscrew one plastic retaining screw each and remove the rear lights (secured by clips in the fenders). In the Golf Variant, the rear lights are held by four nuts.
  4. From the underside, unscrew four (six in Golf Variant) screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part of the rear bumper.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side securing the fender liners (rear part).
  6. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one screw on each side (fastened top to bottom; may be push pins) securing the corners to the fenders.
  7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
  8. Release the clips under the rear lights (in Golf Variant, unscrew two screws under the rear lights).
  9. With an assistant, remove the rear bumper backward (ensure wires are not damaged).
  10. On the right side (in the direction of travel), disconnect the main electrical connector.

VW Golf 7 rear bumper mounting locations

VW Golf 7 rear bumper mounting diagram

Design and Interior

The Golf 7 retained its recognizable silhouette but became more refined and high-tech. After the 2017 facelift, it featured:

  • LED headlights (standard option).
  • Virtual Active Info Display (similar to Audi Virtual Cockpit).
  • Touchscreen infotainment system (6.5–9.2 inches).
  • Upgraded trim materials (soft-touch plastics, decorative inserts).

 

Technology and Safety

  • Driver assistance systems: adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, automatic emergency braking.
  • Parking: automated parking, 360° camera.
  • Connectivity: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (after 2016).

 

Interesting Facts

  • Record-breaking Golf: The Golf 7 won "World Car of the Year" in 2013.
  • GTI Evolution: For the first time, the post-facelift Golf GTI offered an optional 7-speed DSG (DQ381), replacing the 6-speed.
  • Hidden Power: A tuned Golf R easily reaches 350–400 HP while remaining reliable.
  • Russian Market: In Russia, the Golf 7 was assembled in Kaluga, and after 2020, it was sold as the Golf VII Plus with simplified features.

 

The Legacy of the Golf 7

Despite the launch of the Golf 8, the seventh generation remains popular on the used market due to its balance of price, quality, and technology. Post-facelift models (2017–2020) are especially valued for their refined suspension and infotainment.

 

Conclusion: The Golf 7 is a benchmark compact hatchback that delivered premium features in a mass-market segment. Its variants, from efficient TDIs to the high-performance Golf R, covered all key niches, cementing its status as one of Volkswagen’s best models.