VW Passat B4 (1993–1997) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model Codes

The Volkswagen Passat B4 was produced from 1993 to 1997 in Germany, though in some countries (including Russia and China), manufacturing continued until 2005 under different designations. The B4 platform succeeded the Passat B3 (1988–1993) and served as a transitional model to the more modern B5 (1996–2005).

Model Codes:

  • Body Type: Volkswagen designated the Passat B4 as "3A2" (sedans) and "3A5" (Variant wagons).
  • For the US Market: The model was sold as the Volkswagen Passat GLX (with VR6) and GLS (with 4-cylinder engines).

 

Body Types and Modifications

Sedan (3A2)
A classic 4-door body with updated design compared to the B3: protruding fenders, more rounded lines, and a new radiator grille.

Variant Wagon (3A5)
A 5-door version with an enlarged trunk (up to 1,470 liters with folded seats). In Europe, wagons were more popular than sedans.

Other Versions (Rare)

  • Passat Syncro – All-wheel-drive version with the 4Motion system (in some markets).
  • Passat B4.5 (for China) – A facelifted version produced until 2005 with minor changes.

 

Engines and Transmissions

The Passat B4 was offered with a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines:

Gasoline:

  • 1.6 (RP, AEE) – 101 HP (8-valve)
  • 1.8 (ADZ, ABS) – 75–90 HP (economy option)
  • 2.0 (2E, ABK, ADY) – 115–136 HP
  • VR6 (AAA) – 2.8L, 174 HP (top version)

Diesel:

  • 1.9 TD (1Z, AHU) – 90 HP (turbo diesel)
  • 1.9 SDI (AGR) – 64 HP (naturally aspirated diesel)

Transmissions:

  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic (on some versions)

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP/EPDM/PE<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

It is removed together with the reinforcement bar.

  1. Turn the wheels to the side.
  2. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side that secure the fender liners.
  3. Unscrew one screw on each side (fastened from bottom to top) that secure the corners to the fenders.
  4. Next, it can be removed in two ways:
    • From underneath, unscrew two bolts (17 mm) on each side that secure the reinforcement brackets to the frame rails.
    • At the front, remove the headlight covers (plugs) and unscrew the screws underneath that secure the brackets to the reinforcement bar.
  5. With an assistant, pull the front bumper forward off the guide brackets in the fenders.
  6. Disconnect the electrical connectors and headlight washer hoses (if equipped).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Passat B4

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Passat B4

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

It is removed together with the metal reinforcement bar.

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Lift the floor in the trunk.
  3. Remove the spare wheel.
  4. Under the trunk floor, unscrew four bolts that secure the reinforcement brackets to the frame rails.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew the screws that secure the sides and (if present) the splash guards.
  6. From underneath, unscrew five (or seven, depending on body type) screws and release the retaining clips.
  7. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward off the guide rails in the fenders (note: pull evenly from both sides to avoid jamming the brackets in the frame rails).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Passat B4

VW Passat B4 Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram

Model Description

Design and Interior
The Passat B4 featured a more expressive exterior compared to the B3:

  • Front: A radiator grille was added (absent on the B3), along with new headlights with clear sections.
  • Taillights: Horizontal, in the style of Audi (shared platform with the Audi 80 B4).
  • Interior: Improved sound insulation, higher-quality materials, and airbags (from 1994).

Technical Features

  • Suspension: MacPherson struts in front, torsion beam in the rear (on most versions).
  • Safety: ABS, power steering, later equipped with airbags.
  • Comfort: Air conditioning, power windows, cruise control (in top trim levels).

 

Interesting Facts

Shared Components with Audi
The Passat B4 shared a platform with the Audi 80 B4, so many parts (chassis, electronics) are interchangeable.

Last Passat with VR6 Before the B5+ Era
The 2.8L VR6 (174 HP) was the most powerful engine in the lineup, accelerating the Passat to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds—very fast for a family sedan in the 90s.

Chinese Longevity
In China, the Passat B4 was produced until 2005 under the names "Santana 2000" and "Passat B4.5" with minimal changes.

Rare Versions

  • Passat B4 Wagon Syncro – An all-wheel-drive wagon that preceded modern crossovers.
  • Passat B4 with LPG system – Some countries offered it with factory-fitted LPG.

Sport Modifications
Some tuning companies (e.g., ABT) released upgraded Passat B4 versions with engines up to 200 HP.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Passat B4 is an important model in the brand's history, bridging the gap between the budget-friendly B3 and the premium B5. Despite its short production run in Europe, it remains popular among classic Volkswagen enthusiasts due to its reliability, simple design, and parts availability. In CIS countries, many units are still on the road, proving the model's well-thought-out engineering