VW Passat B6 (2005–2010) How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years

The Volkswagen Passat B6 was produced from 2005 to 2010 in Europe. In some countries (such as China and the USA), production continued longer—until 2011–2012. In 2010, the model was replaced by the Passat B7, although the exterior changes were minor.

 

Model Codes

Platform: Volkswagen Group PL46 (an upgraded version of the PQ46 platform).
Factory indices:

  • 3C2 – Sedan (for the European market).
  • 3C5 – Variant wagon (European market).
  • 3C8 – Passat CC (a four-door coupe based on the B6, later renamed CC).

 

Body Types

Sedan (3C2) – A classic four-door body with a spacious trunk (565 liters).
Variant Wagon (3C5) – A practical version with an enlarged cargo area (603 liters, up to 1731 liters with folded seats).
Passat CC (3C8) – A stylish four-door coupe with a sloping roof, produced from 2008.

 

Modifications and Engines

The Passat B6 was offered with a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, as well as in the all-wheel-drive 4Motion version.

Gasoline Engines:

  • 1.4 TSI (122 HP) – Turbocharged, introduced in 2006.
  • 1.6 MPI (102 HP) – A basic naturally aspirated engine.
  • 1.8 TSI (152–160 HP) – One of the most popular, with direct injection.
  • 2.0 TFSI (200 HP) – Turbocharged version, used in the Passat R36.
  • 2.0 FSI (150 HP) – Naturally aspirated, less common.
  • 3.2 VR6 (250 HP) – A six-cylinder engine for top-tier versions.

Diesel Engines (TDI):

  • 1.6 TDI (105 HP) – Introduced late in production.
  • 1.9 TDI (105 HP) – Reliable but not the most powerful.
  • 2.0 TDI (140–170 HP) – The most popular diesel, with a Common Rail system.

Transmissions:

  • 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions (MT).
  • 6-speed "Tiptronic" (AQ250).
  • DSG (6-speed DQ250 and 7-speed DQ200).

All-Wheel-Drive Versions:

  • 4Motion – With a Haldex fifth-generation multi-plate clutch.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew eight screws (fastened from top to bottom) that secure the radiator grille (the grille does not need to be removed).
  3. From the underside, unscrew nine screws (fastened from bottom to top) that secure the lower part of the front bumper.
  4. Turn the wheels inward (depending on the side being worked on).
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side and free the fender liners (front part).
  6. Inside the fenders, unscrew one screw on each side (fastened from bottom to top) and two nuts (a 10mm socket with an extension will be needed).
  7. With an assistant, release the clips in the fenders and remove the front bumper by pulling it forward (watch for wires and hoses).
  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
  9. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses from the reservoir (if equipped).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Passat B6

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Passat B6

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

(Sedan and wagon are attached almost the same, except for the taillights)

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. (Sedan) Free the edges of the trunk side trims (if there are access panels, open them), unscrew three nuts on each side, and remove the taillights.
  3. (Wagon) In the trunk opening, remove the covers; under them, unscrew one nut on each side, release the fasteners in the fenders, and remove the taillights.
  4. Under the taillights, unscrew two screws on each side (fastened from top to bottom).
  5. In the wheel arches, unscrew four screws on each side that secure the fender liners.
  6. Behind the fender liners, remove one push-pin fastener on each side (inserted from bottom to up) that secure the corners to the fenders.
  7. Unscrew the screws from the underside (fastened from bottom to top) and release two clips.
  8. With an assistant, remove the bumper backward from the guide rails in the fenders (watch for wires).
  9. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if equipped).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Passat B6

VW Passat B6 Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram

Model Description

Design and Interior

The Passat B6 featured a more modern design compared to the B5:

  • Narrow headlights with chrome trim.
  • Wide radiator grille in the style of the Golf V.
  • Clean body lines without excessive aggression.

The interior was notable for its high-quality materials:

  • Soft-touch dashboard plastics.
  • Optional leather trim.
  • Dual-zone climate control.
  • Multimedia system with a color display.

 

Technical Features

  • Suspension: Front – MacPherson struts, rear – multi-link (4Motion had reinforced components).
  • Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP rating (2005), airbags, ESP, brake assist system.
  • Additional options: Parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights, cruise control.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Passat R36 – The most powerful B6 version with a 3.6L VR6 (300 HP), accelerating 0–100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Available in sedan and wagon body styles.
  • Passat CC – Initially marketed as a separate model but later renamed Volkswagen CC.
  • Durability – Many B6 examples exceed 300,000 km, especially with the 1.9 TDI diesel.
  • Chinese Longevity – In China, the Passat B6 was produced until 2018 under the name Magotan.
  • Hybrid Version – A Passat Hybrid prototype appeared in 2010, but the production model was only released with the B7.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Passat B6 is one of the most successful generations, combining reliability, comfort, and modern technology. Despite its age, many units remain on the road thanks to their robust construction and repairability.