Buick Enclave II 2018-2024: how to remove the bumpers.

Production Years

The second generation Buick Enclave was produced from 2018 to 2024. Manufacturing was carried out at the GM assembly plant in Lansing, Michigan, USA.

A facelift occurred in the 2022 model year (sales began in spring 2021). The update was substantial:

• The car received new headlights, a radiator grille, and bumpers. The signature style became more angular, bringing the Enclave closer to the current Buick lineup.
• The main change was the switch to a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 (LGY) instead of the previous 3.6 V6 (LGX). Power remained at the same level (310 hp / 231 kW), but the engine was modernized to operate on the Atkinson cycle, which improved fuel efficiency.
• New multimedia equipment appeared with support for wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the center console was updated with an electronic transmission selector.

Engine Types

Surprisingly, throughout its entire lifecycle (2018–2024), the Enclave II had only one type of engine — a naturally aspirated gasoline V6 with a displacement of 3.6 liters.

• 2018–2021: LGX engine (3.6 L, V6, 310 hp, 361 Nm). This motor was equipped with Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology to save fuel on the highway. The unit worked in conjunction with a 9-speed Hydra-Matic 9T65 automatic transmission.
• 2022–2024: LGY engine (3.6 L, V6, 310 hp, 361 Nm). This is essentially an evolution of the LGX, optimized for the Atkinson cycle. Power did not change, but peak torque became available slightly later. It uses the same 9-speed automatic transmission.

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-M12<

Depending on the model year, the mounting points differ slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, remove twelve clips and take off the plastic shield.
3. Under the shield, unscrew six screws that are fastened from top to bottom and secure the upper part of the front bumper.
4. Move to the lower part and unscrew ten screws from the underbody side.
5. Go to the wheel arches, turn the front part of the wheels inward towards the arch one by one.
6. Unscrew four screws on the left and right sides that secure the fender liners.
7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one screw on the left and right sides, which are fastened from top to bottom and secure the bumper corners to the fenders.
8. (After the facelift) behind the fender liners, unscrew three bolts on the left and right sides that secure the fog lights.
9. Release the latches in the fenders, pull the corners towards you.
10. Release the fasteners under the hood and, with an assistant, carefully remove the bumper forward.
11. Disconnect the power connectors for the electronic components.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Lift the trunk lid upwards.
2. In the trunk opening, use a flathead screwdriver to remove four plugs.
3. Unscrew six screws that secure the upper part of the rear bumper.
4. Get under the car and unscrew two screws.
5. In the wheel arches, unscrew four screws on the left and right sides that secure the fender liners to the bumper.
6. Behind the fender liners, unscrew one screw on the left and right sides, which are fastened from bottom to top and secure the corners to the fenders.
7. Pull the corners sharply towards you to release the latches in the fenders.
8. Release the latches under the rear lights and in the trunk opening.
9. With an assistant, remove the bumper towards the rear.
10. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Interesting Facts About the Model

• Acoustic Comfort: The Enclave II was one of the first vehicles in its segment to feature Active Noise Cancellation technology through the Bose audio system. Microphones in the cabin "listen" to road noise and engine hum, and the speakers emit an opposite phase wave, making the interior abnormally quiet even at speeds of 120–130 km/h (75–80 mph).
• 7–8 Passenger Seating: Unlike most vehicles on the same platform (Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia), the Enclave long remained the only one offering an eight-passenger seating option (second-row bench seat) in the top trim level, while still maintaining premium finishes.
• Name: "Enclave" refers to a distinct territory or community. Designers insisted that the interior should be perceived as a separate "private club" for passengers, isolated from the outside world.

Advantages

• Space and Comfort: This is one of the most spacious crossovers in its class. The third row can comfortably accommodate adult passengers (something most competitors like the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90 cannot offer).
• Effortless Power and Ride Smoothness: The 3.6-liter V6 provides confident thrust without any hints of turbo lag. The suspension (MacPherson struts in front, multi-link in the rear) is tuned for maximum absorption of road imperfections. The power steering is calibrated for ease of use.
• Powertrain Reliability: By 2018, GM had refined the 3.6 V6 series. Timing chain issues from earlier generations were a thing of the past. The 9-speed automatic is considered one of GM's most successful units — shifts are smooth, and durability is high.

Disadvantages

• Fuel Consumption: The naturally aspirated V6, combined with a vehicle weight of around 2.2 tons (4,850 lbs), consumes a lot of fuel. In city driving, real-world consumption rarely drops below 15–17 liters per 100 km (14–16 mpg), even with the cylinder deactivation system.
• Handling: The Enclave is a true cruiser. Sharp steering response and sporty behavior are absent. The car feels heavy in corners, and the brakes require some getting used to due to the substantial mass.
• Interior Material Quality (Pre-Facelift): In 2018–2021 versions, a lot of hard plastic was used on the lower parts of the dashboard and doors, which was criticized for not matching the price point (in top trims, the cost could exceed $60,000).
• Minor Electronic "Glitches": Owners report occasional malfunctions with the parking sensors and sometimes "freezing" of the Chevrolet MyLink multimedia system (which Buick used in a modified form) before the facelift.