VW T5 (T5.2) 2003-2015: How to Remove the Bumpers

The Volkswagen Transporter T5 is the fifth generation of the legendary German minibus, produced from 2003 to 2015. This model continued the successful Transporter lineup, retaining its traditional reliability and practicality while incorporating modern technology and design. This article provides accurate data on names, production years, facelifts, model codes, body types, and interesting facts.

Model Names and Codes

The official name is Volkswagen Transporter T5, but depending on the market and modification, other designations were used:

• Volkswagen Multivan – a comfortable version with an upgraded interior.
• Volkswagen Caravelle – a passenger variant (in some countries, it replaced the Multivan).
• Volkswagen California – a camper based on the T5.
• Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle – a minibus for passenger transport.

The T5 platform was based on the code designation 7H, and after the facelift – 7J.

 

Production Years and Facelifts

• First Generation (T5.1, 2003–2009) – Debuted in 2003 with a completely new design, replacing the T4. The body became more angular, and modern engines (gasoline and diesel) were introduced.
• Facelift (T5.2, 2010–2015) – In 2010, the model was updated: the front end was redesigned (new headlights, radiator grille), electronic systems were added (e.g., Lane Assist), and the engine lineup was refreshed.

After 2015, the T5 was succeeded by the T6, but in some countries (e.g., South America), the T5 remained in production longer.

 

Body Types and Modifications

The T5 was offered in several body styles:

• Panel Van (Kastenwagen) – A cargo version with solid rear side panels.
• Kombi – A passenger or cargo-passenger variant with glass windows.
• Minibus (Multivan/Caravelle) – A version with a comfortable interior for 6–9 passengers.
• Camper (California) – A self-contained mobile home with a pop-up roof, kitchen, and sleeping areas.

Special modifications included:

• Transporter Sportline – A sporty version with enhanced suspension and stylish trim.
• Transporter BlueMotion – An economical version with reduced fuel consumption.
• Transporter 4MOTION – An all-wheel-drive model.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP/EPDM< or >PP+EPDM+PE<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

Volkswagen T5 Caravelle, Multivan, Transporter (2003-2009)

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, remove six twist fasteners and take off the radiator grille (pulls out easily—pull toward you and upward).
3. Behind the grille, unscrew four screws (installed from the engine compartment side; note that the side screws may fall into hidden cavities. The power steering reservoir and washer fluid filler neck may be in the way—unscrew the screws and move them aside).
4. Remove three trim pieces on the front (held by clips; pry and pull toward you. Remove the side parts first, then the center one).
5. In the openings under the trim, unscrew four screws (installed toward the engine compartment).
6. Turn the wheels inward.
7. (On each side) Unscrew three screws in the wheel arch and three screws under the car securing the fender liners (front part).
8. (On each side) Move the fender liner aside and unscrew one screw and two nuts (10mm) securing the bumper to the fenders.
9. Unscrew the bolts and remove the engine compartment shield.
10. Under the shield, unscrew three screws (installed from bottom to top).
11. With an assistant, pull the front bumper forward (watch for wires; avoid scratching the fenders with the studs).
12. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if present).

Volkswagen T5 Caravelle, Multivan, Transporter Facelift (2010-2015)

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, remove four push pins securing the radiator grille.
3. Release the clips (pull toward you) and remove the radiator grille (note: the clips are fragile).
4. Behind the grille, unscrew two screws securing the top part of the front bumper.
5. From underneath (if present), remove the engine compartment cover and unscrew three screws beneath it (installed from bottom to top).
6. Turn the wheels outward.
7. Unscrew two screws on each side in the wheel arches and two screws underneath securing the fender liners (front part).
8. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one screw on each side (installed from bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
9. Inside the fenders, unscrew two nuts on each side (10mm; requires a socket with an extension).
10. On the front, below the headlights, remove the trim pieces (held by clips; pry and pull toward you).
11. In the openings under the trim, unscrew one screw on each side.
12. Unscrew two screws through the holes in the center grille of the bumper.
13. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward (watch for the studs in the fenders and wires).
14. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the tailgate.
2. In the tailgate opening, unscrew two screws on each side and remove the rear lights (held by clips in the fenders; pull sideways away from the fender).
3. Under the rear lights, remove two push pins on each side and take off the pillar trim.
4. Under the pillar trim, remove two push pins on each side securing the top part of the rear bumper.
5. From underneath, remove three push pins (inserted from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
6. In the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side.
7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
8. In the tailgate opening, release five clips (marked by blue arrows; use a flathead screwdriver to press the latches through the slots).
9. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward (watch for wires).
10. Disconnect the parking sensor connectors (if present).

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Technical Features and Engines

The T5 was equipped with a wide range of engines:

• Gasoline:
  • 2.0L (115–200 HP)
  • 3.2L VR6 (235 HP, only for Multivan and Caravelle)
• Diesel (TDI):
  • 1.9L (84–105 HP)
  • 2.0L (140–180 HP)
  • 2.5L (174 HP, pre-facelift)

Transmissions included 5- and 6-speed manual, 6- and 7-speed DSG (after 2010).

 

Interesting Facts About the Volkswagen T5

• Police and Military Versions – The T5 was used in Europe as a police car, ambulance, and even military transport (including armored variants).
• Racing Transporter – In 2006, the T5 RGT was created with a Porsche Cayenne engine (400 HP) for racing.
• Electric Version – In 2017 (after production ended), the eT5 concept was introduced, based on the T5 with an electric motor.
• Long Life in South America – In Brazil, the T5 was produced until 2021 under the name Volkswagen Kombi Last Edition.
• California – The Iconic Camper – The California remains one of Europe’s most popular travel campers.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen T5 is a significant chapter in the Transporter’s history, combining reliability, practicality, and modern technology. Despite the arrival of the T6 and T7, many owners still value the T5 for its repairability and time-tested design.