VW Beetle (1997-2011): How to Remove the Bumpers

The Volkswagen Beetle A4, also known as the New Beetle, is a modern reinterpretation of the legendary Beetle (Type 1), produced from 1997 to 2011. The model retained the iconic rounded shapes but featured front-wheel drive, modern technology, and new engines. The car was named differently in various countries, and its modifications included several body types and powertrains.

Names in Different Countries

The official model name was Volkswagen New Beetle, but in some regions, it was called differently:

• Germany and Europe: Volkswagen New Beetle (later simply Beetle after the 2010 facelift).
• Mexico: Volkswagen Sedán (due to nostalgia for the classic Beetle, which was produced there for a long time).
• USA and Canada: Volkswagen New Beetle (later Beetle).
• Japan: Volkswagen New Beetle (due to the love for retro design).
• Russia: The model was officially sold as the Volkswagen New Beetle, and after 2012 as the Volkswagen Beetle A5 (the next generation).

 

Body Types and Modifications

The New Beetle was only produced as a 3-door hatchback. However, there were special versions:

• Convertible (Cabriolet): Featured a soft folding roof, introduced in 2003.
• Sport Modifications: For example, the Beetle Turbo S with a 1.8T (180 hp) and a 6-speed manual transmission.
• Limited Editions: The Beetle RSi (2001) with all-wheel drive and a 3.2L VR6 (224 hp), with only 250 units produced.

 

Engines and Transmissions

The model was offered with various engines:

• Gasoline:
  • 1.4L (75 hp)
  • 1.6L (102 hp)
  • 1.8T (150–180 hp, turbo)
  • 2.0L (115 hp)
  • 2.3L (170 hp, VR5)
  • 3.2L (224 hp, VR6, RSi only)
• Diesel:
  • 1.9 TDI (90–105 hp)
  • 2.0 TDI (140 hp, after 2008)

Transmissions included 5- and 6-speed manuals, 4- and 6-speed automatics, and DSG (after the facelift).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP EPDM TD10<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

According to the manual, the bumper is removed together with the fenders. You need to:

1. Unscrew sixteen screws under the hood that secure the upper part of the fenders and bumper.
2. Remove the wheels.
3. Unscrew the screws in the wheel arches and remove the fender liners.
4. Unscrew ten screws and eight nuts in the wheel arches that secure the fenders.
5. Unscrew six screws from the underside and remove the front bumper along with the fenders.
6. Now, unscrew ten screws to separate the bumper from the fenders.

The problem is that the lower screws and nuts securing the fenders are highly prone to corrosion. There is a high chance they may break.

The fenders only need to be removed because of four screws located near the headlights, closer to the engine compartment. It is very difficult and inconvenient to unscrew these screws without removing the fenders, but it is possible. You need to:

1. Remove the headlights (the headlights can be removed without removing the bumper).
2. Unscrew the four screws through the headlight openings.

With this method, the fenders do not need to be removed.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

Like the front bumper, the rear bumper can be removed without the fenders.

1. Open the trunk lid and unscrew the screws in the opening.
2. From inside the trunk, unscrew two plastic nuts and remove the rear lights.
3. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side and fold back the fender liners.
4. Under the fender liners, unscrew three screws on each side (fastened from bottom to top) that secure the sides to the fenders via metal brackets.
5. Unscrew six screws from the underside.

Now comes the tricky part: you need to unscrew four screws through the rear light openings. Once all the screws around the perimeter of the bumper are removed, you can lift it slightly to gain access and more easily unscrew the remaining four screws.

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Model Description

The New Beetle was based on the Volkswagen Golf IV (A4) platform, which provided it with good handling. The design combined retro elements (round headlights, smooth lines) with modern technology.

The interior was unique:

• Color-matched instrument panel (matching the body color).
• A flower vase on the dashboard (optional).
• High-quality trim materials.

However, the rear space remained cramped, and the trunk was small (about 210 liters).

 

Interesting Facts

• Inspiration from a Concept: The New Beetle was based on the Concept One (1994), which caused a sensation at auto shows.
• Movie Cameos: The model appeared in Transformers (2007) and Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005).
• Special Editions: Themed versions were released, such as the Barbie Beetle (pink with glitter) and the Beetle Dune (a pseudo-off-roader).
• Electric Prototype: In 2010, the Beetle Blue-e-Motion was shown, but the production electric version only arrived in the next generation.
• Porsche Connection: The New Beetle’s design was developed by Jay Mays, who previously worked on the Porsche 996.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen New Beetle (A4) is not just a remake of a classic but a standalone model with a unique character. Despite some drawbacks (cramped interior, high price), it became iconic and remains popular among collectors. Production ended in 2011, making way for the more angular Beetle A5.