VW Passat B8 (2014–2023) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Facelift

The Volkswagen Passat B8 is the eighth generation of the popular family sedan and wagon, produced from 2014 to 2023. The model debuted at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, with serial production beginning at the end of the same year.

In 2019, the Passat B8 underwent a facelift (sometimes referred to as B8.5), which introduced:

• Updated radiator grille and bumpers.
• New LED headlights and taillights.
• Revised engine lineup (including hybrid versions).
• Upgraded infotainment system (MIB3).
• Enhanced driver assistance systems.

Production of the Passat B8 for Europe ended in 2023 as Volkswagen shifted focus to electric models (e.g., ID.7). However, the model remains available in China and some other markets.

 

Model Codes and Platform

The Passat B8 is built on the modular MQB platform (Modularer Querbaukasten), also used in the Golf VII, Audi A3, and other VW Group models.

Key body codes:

• 3G2 / 3G5 – Sedan (for Europe and the U.S., though the U.S. version differed and was called the Passat NMS).
• 3G6 – Wagon (Variant, for Europe).
• 3G8 – Passat Alltrack (raised wagon with all-wheel drive).

Body Types and Modifications

• Sedan (3G2/3G5) – Classic four-door version.
• Wagon (Variant, 3G6) – More practical version with an enlarged trunk.
• Alltrack (3G8) – A crossover-style wagon with increased ground clearance, plastic body cladding, and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

 

Engines and Transmissions

The Passat B8 was offered with a wide range of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid engines:

Gasoline:

• 1.4 TSI (125–150 HP) – Base turbocharged engine.
• 1.8 TSI (180 HP) – Discontinued after the facelift.
• 2.0 TSI (190–272 HP) – High-performance versions (including Passat R-Line and U.S. Passat GT).

Diesel (TDI):

• 1.6 TDI (120 HP) – Fuel-efficient option.
• 2.0 TDI (150–240 HP) – Main diesel engine (post-facelift compliant with Euro 6d standards).

Hybrid (GTE):

• Passat GTE (218 HP) – Plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 50 km.

Transmissions:

• 6-speed manual.
• 7-speed DSG (for gasoline and diesel versions).
• 4Motion all-wheel drive (available for high-performance models and Alltrack).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew four (or sometimes three) bolts securing the radiator grille.
3. Remove the radiator grille (held by clips; pull from the bottom toward yourself).
   • 2014–2019 models: The upper part of the bumper is secured by clips under the grille (marked with blue arrows).
   • 2019–2023 models: The upper part is bolted with four screws (inserted top to bottom).
4. Unscrew nine bolts (inserted bottom to top) securing the lower part.
5. Turn the wheels inward (depending on which side you're working on).
6. Unscrew six bolts (three per side) in the wheel arches securing the fender liners.
7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt per side (inserted bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself).
9. Release the clips under the radiator grille (unscrew the bolts).
10. With an assistant, remove the bumper forward (watch for wires and hoses).
11. Disconnect the connectors for the camera, parking sensors, and fog lights (if equipped).
12. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses from the reservoir (note: fluid will start leaking).

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

(Sedan and Wagon are attached almost identically.)

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Open the access panels in the trunk side trim.
3. Behind the panels, unscrew one plastic fastener bolt per side and remove the taillights.
   (Note: There are no screws under the taillights, but the clips are very tight and can be damaged. It’s better to remove the taillights.)
4. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts per side securing the rear fender liners.
5. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt per side (inserted bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
6. From under the car, unscrew four bolts and remove three push rivets (inserted bottom to top).
7. Release the clips in the fenders (marked with blue arrows; pull the corners toward yourself).
8. Release the clips under the taillights and in the trunk opening (marked with blue arrows).
9. With an assistant, remove the bumper backward (watch for wires).
10. Disconnect electrical connectors (if equipped).

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Features and Technologies

The Passat B8 stood out with its high level of equipment:

• Digital instrument cluster (Active Info Display) – similar to Audi Virtual Cockpit.
• Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist – partial autonomous driving in traffic.
• Matrix headlights (IQ.Light in top versions) – automatic dimming to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
• Optional air suspension – for improved comfort.

 

Interesting Facts

• Passat B8 in the U.S. and China: The North American version (Passat NMS) was based on the older PQ46 platform. In China, the Passat B8L (a long-wheelbase sedan) was offered.
• Most powerful Passat B8: In Europe, the Passat R-Line with a 2.0 TSI (272 HP); in the U.S., the Passat GT (220 HP).
• Passat GTE: The hybrid version could reach 222 km/h but was limited to 130 km/h in electric mode.
• Final European edition: In 2023, a limited Passat Edition 50 was released to celebrate the model’s 50th anniversary.
• Frameless doors: The B8 was the first Passat with recessed window frames (like premium cars).

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Passat B8 was one of the most technologically advanced cars in its class, offering comfort, efficiency, and modern safety systems. Despite the end of production in Europe, it remains popular on the used car market due to its reliability and well-thought-out design.