VW Phaeton 2002–2016: How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model Codes

The Volkswagen Phaeton was produced from 2002 to 2016 in two generations:

  • First generation (2002–2010) – Platform code VW D1, based on the same architecture as the Bentley Continental GT.
  • Second generation (2010–2016) – Updated version with a revised platform and new engines.

Production took place at the Transparent Factory (Glaserne Manufaktur) in Dresden, Germany.

 

Body Types and Modifications

The Phaeton was offered only as a sedan (VW code 3D). Despite rumors, no official wagon or long-wheelbase version was ever released.

Main modifications:

  • Gasoline engines:
    • 3.2 VR6 (241 HP) – Base model (2002–2005).
    • 4.2 V8 (335 HP) – The most balanced version.
    • 6.0 W12 (420–450 HP) – Top-tier model with a 12-cylinder engine.
  • Diesel engines:
    • 3.0 V6 TDI (224–240 HP) – The most popular in Europe.
    • 5.0 V10 TDI (313 HP) – A rare and powerful diesel variant (2002–2006).
  • Updated lineup (2010–2016):
    • 3.6 VR6 (280 HP) – Replaced the old 3.2.
    • 4.2 V8 (360 HP) – Upgraded engine.
    • 3.0 V6 TDI (245 HP) – New diesel with BlueMotion technology.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PC-PBT<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew six bolts (TORX-T30, screwed top to bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper.
  3. From underneath, unscrew seven bolts (may include clips, screwed bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  4. On the front side, use a flathead screwdriver to remove two screws and detach the decorative trim around the fog lights.
  5. Under the trim, unscrew two more bolts.
  6. Turn the wheels to the side (removing them makes the job easier).
  7. In the wheel arches, unscrew four bolts on each side (TORX-T25) securing the fender liners (front section).
  8. Push the fender liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side (screwed bottom to top) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
  9. Inside the fenders, below the headlight edges, unscrew one bolt on each side (TORX-T25; a long extension and magnetic socket are recommended).
  10. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward (mind the wiring).
  11. On the left side (driver’s side), disconnect two electrical connectors.

VW Phaeton Front Bumper Mounting Locations

VW Phaeton Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Open the access panels in the trunk side linings.
  3. Inside the fenders, unscrew two bolts on each side securing the bumper to the fenders.
  4. Unscrew three (or four) nuts on each side and remove the taillights (note: the studs often spin in the plastic, making taillight removal difficult).
  5. Below the taillights, unscrew two bolts on each side (TORX-T30, screwed top to bottom).
  6. In the wheel arches, unscrew five bolts on each side securing the rear fender liners.
  7. From underneath, unscrew six bolts (screwed bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  8. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward off the guide rails in the fenders (avoid damaging the wiring).
  9. Disconnect the parking sensor and license plate light connectors.

VW Phaeton rear bumper mounting locations

VW Phaeton rear bumper mounting diagram

Model Overview

The Phaeton was conceived as Volkswagen’s flagship sedan, developed under the personal supervision of Ferdinand Piëch, who aimed to create "the world’s best sedan."

Technical features:

  • Platform – Aluminum body with 4Motion all-wheel drive (permanent AWD on the W12).
  • Suspension – Air suspension (standard on all models), adaptive CDC (Continuous Damping Control).
  • Comfort – Four-zone climate control, ventilated seats, double-glazed windows.
  • Technology – Head-up display, ceramic brakes (optional), night vision system (post-2010).

Design

Externally, the Phaeton was understated yet premium, with no excessive styling. The interior featured leather, wood, and aluminum trim, with material quality matching the Audi A8.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Shared platform with Bentley – The D1 platform was also used in the Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005).
  • Volkswagen’s most expensive car – In 2004, the W12 cost over €100,000, competing with the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
  • Failure in the U.S. – Due to high pricing and lack of brand recognition in the luxury segment, U.S. sales ended in 2006.
  • Chinese relaunch – In 2011, the Phaeton was reintroduced in China, where it gained popularity among officials.
  • Electric prototype – A Phaeton Hybrid was showcased in 2011 but never entered production.
  • Reliability record – Some European taxis logged over 1,000,000 km on Phaetons.
  • Final batch – The last 100 units (2016) were built as a special "Phaeton Exclusive" edition.

 

Conclusion

Despite its commercial failure, the Phaeton remains a cult classic—an engineering masterpiece from Volkswagen. Its technologies later migrated to Audi and Bentley, and the car itself became a symbol of the brand’s ambitions. In the 2020s, the Phaeton is valued as a rare and underrated luxury sedan.