VW Crafter II (2017+): How to Remove the Bumpers

General Description

The second-generation Volkswagen Crafter, also known as the MAN TGE, is a heavy-duty van that has been produced on the same assembly line as its twin models, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (since 2018) and MAN TGE, since 2016. This model was developed as part of a partnership between Volkswagen and Daimler, which allowed for optimized production and a proven platform with different branding options.

 

Production Years and Platform

The first presentation of the VW Crafter II took place in September 2016, with serial production starting at the end of the same year at the Volkswagen plant in Września, Poland. In 2017, MAN (owned by the Volkswagen Group) introduced its version—the MAN TGE—which differs only in badges and some exterior details.

Since 2018, production of the Crafter and TGE has been relocated to the Mercedes-Benz plant in Düsseldorf, Germany, where the model has been assembled alongside the Mercedes Sprinter. This move reduced costs and standardized some components.

 

Modifications and Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen Crafter II (and MAN TGE) is available in several variants:

Body Type:

• Van (standard and extended wheelbase)
• Chassis with cabin (for specialized body installations)
• Minibus (Combi, up to 17 passengers)
• Passenger-cargo version (Kombi)

Length and Height:

• Length: from 5.3 to 7.4 m
• Height: low (up to 2.35 m), standard (2.47 m), and high (2.75 m)

Load Capacity:

• From 1.0 to 1.4 tons

Engines:

• 2.0 TDI (diesel) – 102, 122, 140, and 177 HP
• 2.0 TSI (petrol, since 2020) – 190 HP

Transmission:

• 6-speed manual
• 8-speed automatic (for high-power versions)

Drivetrain:

• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• All-wheel drive (4Motion, available since 2017)

Electric Version (e-Crafter):

• Announced in 2018, serial production began in 2020.
• Range: up to 160 km (WLTP).
• Load capacity: up to 1.7 tons.

 

Plastic Bumper Marking: >PP+EPDM+PE-TD12<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew two bolts. Use a flathead screwdriver to release four fasteners (marked with blue arrows) securing the upper part of the front bumper.
3. From underneath, unscrew five bolts holding the engine splash guard (only the front three bolts need to be removed to lower the front edge of the guard).
4. Under the guard, remove four push-pins and unscrew five bolts on each side in the wheel arch areas (inserted from bottom to top).
5. Turn the wheels outward, depending on which side you are working on.
6. In the wheel arches, remove three push-pins on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
7. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward yourself).
9. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper forward (watch for wiring).
10. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if present).

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the rear doors.
2. Inside the cargo area, unscrew six bolts securing the central and side sections of the rear bumper.
3. For models with a step: unscrew four bolts (inserted top to bottom).
4. For models without a step: unscrew two bolts from underneath (inserted bottom to top).
5. Remove the central section.
6. Release the clips in the fenders (pull outward) and remove the side sections.
7. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if present).

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Additional Information

The second-generation Volkswagen Crafter was initially developed independently by Volkswagen after the end of its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz on the first Crafter (based on the Sprinter). However, in 2018, VW and Daimler resumed partial cooperation, and production of the Crafter II was moved to the Mercedes plant in Düsseldorf, where it is now assembled alongside the Mercedes Sprinter (W907).

 

Differences Between VW Crafter and MAN TGE

Despite sharing a platform, the MAN TGE is marketed as a more commercially oriented version, emphasizing reliability and ease of maintenance. Externally, the models differ in the grille, bumpers, and badges. Inside, the MAN TGE has a more utilitarian finish, while the Crafter offers more comfort-oriented options.

 

Interesting Facts

• Shared roots with the Mercedes Sprinter: Since 2018, the Crafter and TGE have essentially been rebadged versions of the third-gen Sprinter but with their own engines and suspension tuning.
• Early electric adoption: The e-Crafter was one of the first medium-sized electric trucks in Europe.
• Use in special services: The Crafter II serves as a base for ambulances, mobile labs, and even armored cash-in-transit vans.
• Flexible customization: Volkswagen offers over 1,000 configuration options, including adaptations for refrigeration units and hydraulic lifts.
• High safety ratings: In 2017, the Crafter II received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to ESP, Lane Assist, and automatic emergency braking.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Crafter II and MAN TGE are successful examples of collaborative automotive development. These models combine German reliability, a wide range of configurations, and modern technology. Despite sharing a platform with the Mercedes Sprinter, VW and MAN engineers have preserved the unique characteristics of their versions, offering flexible solutions for business and specialized transport needs.