VW Passat B7 (2010–2015) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Facelift

The Volkswagen Passat B7 was produced from 2010 to 2015 and represented an evolutionary development of the previous-generation Passat B6. Unlike radical platform changes, the B7 was essentially a deep facelift of the B6, though Volkswagen marketed it as a new generation.

In 2014, the model underwent a minor facelift: the radiator grille was narrowed, the bumpers and LED lighting were updated, and new interior trim options were introduced.

 

Model Codes and Platform

The Passat B7 was based on the PQ46 platform, which was also used in its predecessor. However, Volkswagen made several improvements to the suspension, electronics, and sound insulation.

Body Codes:

  • 3C2, 3C8 – Sedan (liftback in some markets, e.g., China)
  • 3C5 – Wagon (Variant)

 

Body Types and Modifications

The Passat B7 was offered in two main body styles:

  • Sedan – A classic four-door body.
  • Wagon (Variant) – A more practical version with an enlarged trunk.

 

Engines and Transmissions:

  • Petrol:
    • 1.4 TSI (122 HP, 160 HP with twin-charging)
    • 1.8 TSI (152 HP, later 160 HP)
    • 2.0 TSI (210 HP)
    • 3.6 VR6 (300 HP, 4Motion) – The R36 was replaced by the Passat R-Line
  • Diesel (TDI):
    • 1.6 TDI (105 HP)
    • 2.0 TDI (140 HP, 170 HP, 177 HP)
    • 2.0 BiTDI (240 HP, for Passat Alltrack)
  • Hybrid (2014):
    • Passat GTE (Plug-in Hybrid) – Introduced later, already in the B8 generation.

 

Drivetrain:

  • Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • All-wheel drive (4Motion) – Available for high-performance versions and the Passat Alltrack (a wagon with increased ground clearance).

 

Transmissions:

  • 6-speed manual (MQ350)
  • 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic)
  • 7-speed DSG (DQ200 for 1.4 TSI, DQ250 for 2.0 TSI/TDI)

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew the four screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the radiator grille.
  3. Remove the radiator grille (held by clips, pull towards yourself).
  4. Behind the grille, unscrew the four screws securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  5. From underneath, unscrew the seven screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  6. Turn the wheels inward (depending on the side being disassembled).
  7. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
  8. Unscrew one screw on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  9. Release the clips in the fenders (grab the corner and pull towards yourself).
  10. With an assistant, remove the bumper forward (watch for wires and hoses).
  11. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  12. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses from the reservoir (if equipped).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Passat B7

VW Passat B7 Front Bumper Fastening Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

Sedan and wagon bumpers are attached almost identically.

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Free the edges of the trunk side trims (if there are access panels, open them) and unscrew one plastic retaining screw on each side securing the taillights.
  3. Pull the taillights out and disconnect the connectors.
  4. Behind the taillights, unscrew four screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew four screws on each side securing the fender liners.
  6. Move the fender liners aside, remove one push-pin on each side (inserted bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders, and unscrew one screw.
  7. Unscrew the screws underneath (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners towards yourself).
  9. Release the clips behind the taillights and in the trunk opening.
  10. With an assistant, remove the bumper backward (watch for wires).
  11. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if equipped).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Passat B7

VW Passat B7 rear bumper mounting diagram

Model Description

Exterior:
The Passat B7 featured a more refined and elegant design in line with Volkswagen’s styling at the time. The radiator grille was narrowed, the headlights became more angular (LED in top versions), and the taillights were also LED.

Interior:
The cabin was upgraded with higher-quality materials. It introduced adaptive cruise control (ACC), Park Assist (automatic parking), a rearview camera, and the RNS-510 touchscreen infotainment system.

Chassis:
The suspension consisted of a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link rear. Compared to the B6, engineers improved sound insulation and ride comfort.

 

Interesting Facts

  • The Passat B7 was the last generation with hydraulic power steering (the B8 switched to electric).
  • In China, the Passat B7 was produced until 2020 under the name Magotan, featuring a unique long-wheelbase body.
  • The Passat Alltrack—a version with increased ground clearance, plastic cladding, and all-wheel drive—became popular in Europe.
  • In North America, the Passat B7 was a completely different model, built on the NMS (New Midsize Sedan) platform, which differed from the PQ46.
  • In 2015, the Passat B7 was replaced by the B8, which transitioned to the modular MQB platform.

 

Conclusion
The Volkswagen Passat B7 is a reliable, comfortable, and technologically advanced sedan/wagon that, despite being a "deep facelift," offered numerous improvements. It maintained its reputation as a family car with good dynamics and fuel-efficient diesel engines.