Opel Insignia B (2017-2022): How to Remove the Bumpers.

The Opel Insignia B is a car known by different names in various countries, making it a true "citizen of the world." In the United States and Canada, for example, it is sold as the Buick Regal, while in Australia and New Zealand, it is known as the Holden Commodore. In the UK, it was sold as the Vauxhall Insignia, and in China, it is also available under the Buick brand. This is the second generation of the Insignia, launched in 2017, which marked a real breakthrough for Opel in terms of design and technology.

Generation and Body Types

The Opel Insignia B belongs to the second generation of the model, which replaced the first Insignia produced from 2008 to 2017. The second generation received a more modern design, improved aerodynamics, and new technologies. The following body types are available:

• Hatchback: A five-door body with a practical and spacious rear hatch.

• Station Wagon (Sports Tourer): For those who value space and versatility.

Bumper Material: Polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer, with 20% mineral filler. Marking >PP+EPDM-M20<.

Tools Needed for Removal:

• Socket set with an extension.

• Ratchet or breaker bar.

• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers.

• Torx bit set or Torx keys.

How to Remove the Front Bumper:

1. Open the hood.

2. Unscrew the six screws under the hood that secure the top part of the front bumper.

3. Remove the twelve clips that secure the bottom part of the bumper to the underbody cover, or unscrew the seven screws if necessary to remove the bumper along with the underbody cover.

4. Move to the wheel arches. For convenience, turn the wheels outward.

5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws per side that secure the fender liners (front part).

6. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one screw per side that secures the corners to the fenders.

7. Release the clips in the fenders, pull the corners toward you. If they don't release, press the clips with a flathead screwdriver.

8. With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper forward. Be careful not to damage the wires.

9. Disconnect the connectors for the fog lights and parking assist system (if equipped).

10. Installation is done in reverse order.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper:

Body Type: Hatchback:

1. Open the trunk lid.

2. In the side trim of the trunk, open the panels.

3. Unscrew two fasteners per side under the panels, release from the fender mounts, disconnect the connectors, and remove the rear lights.

4. Unscrew the screws and remove the license plate along with its frame.

5. Behind the license plate, unscrew two screws that secure the center part.

6. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws per side that secure the fender liners.

7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt per side that secures the corners to the fenders.

8. Unscrew two screws under the car that secure the lower part.

9. Release the clips in the fenders, pull the corners toward you.

10. Release the clips under the rear lights using a flathead screwdriver.

11. Release the clips in the trunk opening, pull toward you.

12. With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper backward, remembering to disconnect the connectors for the license plate lighting, parking sensors, and running lights.

Body Type: Station Wagon:

1. Open the tailgate.

2. In the trunk opening, remove two caps and unscrew two screws underneath that secure the top part of the rear bumper.

3. Near the rear lights, remove two caps per side and unscrew four screws underneath, release from the fender mounts, and remove the rear lights.

4. Unscrew two bolts under the car (screwed from bottom to top).

5. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws per side that secure the fender liners.

6. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt per side that secures the corners to the fenders.

7. Pull the corners toward you to release the clips in the fenders.

8. Release the clips under the rear lights using a flathead screwdriver.

9. Release the clips in the trunk opening.

10. With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper backward, disconnecting the connectors for the parking sensors and running lights.

11. Installation is done in reverse order.

Model Description

The Opel Insignia B is a business-class car that combines elegant design, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. It is built on the E2XX platform, which is also used by other General Motors models. The car offers a spacious interior, high-quality materials, and a wide range of options, including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a panoramic roof.

The Insignia B's engines range from economical turbocharged petrol and diesel units to a powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 260 hp. An all-wheel-drive version with the Twinster system is also available, improving handling.

Model Code

The model code for the Opel Insignia B is Z18. This code is used to identify the platform and generation of the car.

Interesting Facts

• Aerodynamics: The Insignia B is one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in its class, with a drag coefficient (Cx) of just 0.26 for the hatchback, comparable to that of sports cars.

• Technology: The Insignia B introduced the IntelliLux LED Matrix Light system, which automatically adjusts the headlights to avoid dazzling other drivers.

• Holden Commodore: In Australia, the Insignia B replaced the legendary Holden Commodore, which was previously rear-wheel drive. This sparked controversy among brand fans, but the new model quickly gained popularity due to its practicality and comfort.

• Buick Regal TourX: In the United States, the Insignia B station wagon was used to create the Buick Regal TourX, a crossover station wagon with increased ground clearance and an off-road design.

• Electrification: In 2020, Opel introduced the hybrid version of the Insignia, combining a petrol engine with an electric motor, making it more eco-friendly.

The Opel Insignia B is a car that successfully combines style, technology, and practicality. It is suitable for both family trips and business travel, and its international popularity confirms its versatility.