VW Touareg I 2002-2010: How to Remove the Bumpers

Name and Origin

The first-generation Volkswagen Touareg (Mk1) was named after the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara Desert, symbolizing endurance and the vehicle’s ability to handle tough conditions. It was Volkswagen’s first full-size SUV, developed in collaboration with Porsche, Audi, and Bentley (which was owned by VW at the time).

 

Production Years and Facelift

The first Touareg debuted in 2002 at the Paris Motor Show, with production starting in 2003. The Mk1 was produced until 2010, when it was replaced by the second generation. In 2006, the model underwent a minor facelift, updating the front bumper, grille, and headlights. In 2008, further changes included revised taillights and an updated interior with a new multimedia system.

 

Model Code and Platform

The Touareg Mk1 was based on the PL71 platform, shared with the first-generation Porsche Cayenne (955/957) and Audi Q7 (4L). Its internal factory designation was 7L.

 

Body Type and Modifications

The Touareg Mk1 was offered exclusively as a five-door SUV with permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. Key variants included:

 

Gasoline engines:

  • V6 3.2 (241 HP, 2003–2007)
  • V8 4.2 (310–350 HP, 2003–2010)
  • W12 6.0 (450 HP, 2005–2010, rare version)

 

Diesel engines:

  • V6 TDI 2.5 (174 HP, 2003–2006)
  • V6 TDI 3.0 (224–240 HP, 2004–2010)
  • V10 TDI 5.0 (313 HP, 2003–2008, the most powerful diesel in the lineup)

 

Hybrid version (2007–2010):

  • V6 TSI + electric motor (combined 380 HP, not mass-produced).

 

Special editions:

  • Touareg R5 (with V10 TDI diesel and reinforced suspension)
  • Touareg Escape (enhanced off-road capability, underbody protection)

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 2002–2006

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Remove the Volkswagen emblem on the grille (held by clips; pry from below and pull toward you).
  3. Through the emblem opening, unscrew one bolt securing the grille.
  4. Under the hood, use a flathead screwdriver to press four clips and remove the grille.
  5. Inside the grille opening, unscrew five bolts securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  6. From underneath, unscrew four bolts (fastened upward) securing the lower part.
  7. Turn the wheels outward.
  8. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts on each side securing the fender liners.
  9. With an assistant, pull the front bumper forward off the guide rails in the fenders (releasing the clips near the headlights).
  10. Disconnect electrical connectors.
  11. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses.

Front Bumper Mounting Locations Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 2002-2006

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 2002-2006

Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 Facelift 2006–2010

  1. Under the hood, unscrew four bolts securing the grille and two bolts securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  2. Unscrew two hidden bolts behind the lower grille (fastened toward the engine bay).
  3. From underneath, unscrew six bolts (fastened upward) securing the lower part.
  4. In the wheel arches, unscrew three bolts on each side securing the fender liners (front section) and one bolt on each side (fastened upward) securing the corners to the fenders.
  5. With an assistant, pull the front bumper forward off the guide rails in the fenders.
  6. On the right side (driver’s side), disconnect the main electrical connector.
  7. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses (lift the hose upward to prevent fluid leakage).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 2006-2010

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram Volkswagen Touareg Mk1 2006-2010

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

  1. Open the tailgate.
  2. In the tailgate opening, remove four caps and unscrew four bolts securing the taillights.
  3. Release from hinge mounts and remove the taillights.
  4. Behind the taillights, unscrew four bolts (fastened downward) securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
  5. Unscrew four bolts (fastened upward) securing the lower part.
  6. In the wheel arches, unscrew ten bolts securing the fender liners and side sections.
  7. With an assistant, pull the rear bumper backward off the guide rails in the fenders (note the wiring).
  8. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Touareg I 2002-2010

rear bumper mounting diagram VW Touareg I 2002-2010

Model Description

The Touareg Mk1 was positioned as a premium SUV with high comfort and off-road capability. It featured air suspension, adjustable ride height (160–300 mm), differential locks, and an Off-Road Mode for rough terrain.

The interior boasted high-quality materials, leather upholstery, and advanced electronics, including navigation, tri-zone climate control, and a Dynaudio sound system.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Shared roots with Porsche and Bentley: The PL71 platform was also used for the Porsche Cayenne and a prototype Bentley Bentayga (2006, never mass-produced).
  • Towing record: In 2005, a Touareg V10 TDI set a world record by towing a 155-ton Boeing 747 for 150 meters.
  • Hybrid version: Announced in 2007 but never mass-produced due to high costs and technical challenges.
  • Dakar Rally: The Touareg competed in Dakar Rally’s T1 class from 2004. Volkswagen Motorsport won twice (2009, 2010) with the Race Touareg.
  • Rare W12: Only about 500 units were made, featuring 22-inch wheels.
  • Military variant: An armored version, the Volkswagen Mountaineer, was developed for security forces.

 

Conclusion

The first Touareg was a significant model for Volkswagen, proving the brand could compete in the luxury SUV segment. Thanks to powerful engines, a robust platform, and innovative tech, it earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile vehicle. Many Mk1 Touaregs, especially diesel V6 TDI models, remain in use today despite their age.