VW Eos (2006–2015) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and General Description

The Volkswagen Eos is a compact convertible with a retractable hardtop, produced from 2006 to 2015. The model is named after Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn, and was marketed as a stylish car for open-top driving enthusiasts, combining the practicality of a coupe.

The Eos succeeded the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet and featured an innovative five-section roof for its time, which folded in just 25 seconds. Based on the PQ35 platform, shared with the Golf V and Passat B6, the Eos offered good handling and comfort.

Modifications and Technical Specifications

Throughout its production, the Volkswagen Eos was available with several gasoline and diesel engines, as well as in various trim levels.

Engines:

Gasoline:

• 1.4 TSI (122 HP, 200 Nm) – Turbocharged base option, available in early years.
• 1.6 FSI (115 HP) – Naturally aspirated, rare for the Eos.
• 2.0 TFSI (200 HP, 280 Nm) – The most popular choice, balancing power and fuel efficiency.
• 3.2 VR6 (250 HP, 320 Nm) – Top-tier version with a six-cylinder engine and 4Motion all-wheel drive (until 2009).

Diesel:

• 2.0 TDI (140 HP, 320 Nm) – Fuel-efficient and torque-rich, especially popular in Europe.

Transmissions:

• 6-speed manual (for base models).
• 6-speed Tiptronic automatic (for 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 VR6).
• 6-speed DSG dual-clutch (for 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI post-facelift).

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Unscrew the two top screws (fastened top-down) and two bottom screws (fastened bottom-up), then release the clips and remove the radiator grille.
3. Behind the grille, unscrew four (or two) screws securing the upper part of the front bumper.
4. From underneath, unscrew four (or six) screws securing the lower part.
5. Turn the wheels to the side you are working on.
6. In the wheel arches, unscrew three (or two) screws per side securing the front part of the wheel liners.
7. Push the liners aside and unscrew two screws per side securing the corners.
8. Locate the guide rail (marked in red) in the fenders. Pull out the plastic retainer, freeing the bumper edges from the fenders.
9. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward (watch for wiring).
10. Disconnect any electrical connectors (if present).
11. If equipped with headlight washers, disconnect the hoses (fluid may leak from the reservoir).

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Remove the plastic covers above the taillights (held by clips) and unscrew two screws beneath them.
3. Free the trunk side panels (to access the back of the taillights).
4. Behind the panels, unscrew two nuts per side and remove the taillights (use a socket wrench; avoid dropping nuts into hidden cavities).
5. Behind the taillights, unscrew three screws per side securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
6. From underneath, unscrew six screws (fastened bottom-up) securing the lower part.
7. In the wheel arches, unscrew the screws securing the rear wheel liners and remove two push pins (inserted bottom-up) holding the corners to the fenders.
8. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners outward).
9. Release the clips in the trunk opening.
10. (Requires a second person) Pull the bumper backward off the car (watch for wiring).
11. Disconnect any electrical connectors.

Trim Levels:

• Trendline – Base version with minimal features (AC, power accessories).
• Comfortline – Mid-range (leather steering wheel, climate control, rain sensors).
• Sportline – Sporty variant (stiffer suspension, sport seats).
• Highline – Top trim (leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, multimedia system).

2011 Facelift

In 2011, the Eos received updates:

• Redesigned front end (new headlights, Golf VI-style grille).
• Added LED daytime running lights.
• Updated engine lineup (1.4 TSI boosted to 160 HP, new 2.0 TSI with 210 HP).
• 7-speed DSG introduced for lower-tier engines.

Interesting Facts

• Unique Roof – The Eos was one of the few convertibles with a five-section folding roof, including a power-operated glass sunroof.
• Safety – Reinforced structure earned it a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
• Sport Versions – The 2008 Eos GT concept featured aggressive styling but never reached production.
• Rarity in the US – Low sales due to competition with Audi A3 Cabriolet and BMW 1-Series led to its discontinuation in North America after 2015.
• Last VW Convertible – The Eos was VW’s last mass-market convertible until the T-Roc Cabriolet in 2020.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Eos was one of the most technologically advanced convertibles of its era, blending style, practicality, and performance. Despite modest sales, it remains a notable chapter in VW’s history as one of its last classic open-top cars. Today, the Eos is valued on the used market for its reliability and distinctive design.