VW Touareg II 2010–2018: How to Remove the Bumpers

Model Name and Production Years

The second-generation Volkswagen Touareg (Mk2) was produced from 2010 to 2018. In 2014, the model underwent a planned facelift that affected its exterior, interior, and technical features. After 2018, production of the third generation (Mk3) began.

 

Model Code and Platform

The Touareg Mk2 was based on the Volkswagen Group PL52 platform, which was also used in the Audi Q7 (4L) and Porsche Cayenne (92A). This allowed engineers to create a robust and technologically advanced foundation for the SUV.

 

Body Type and Modifications

The Touareg Mk2 was offered exclusively in a 5-door SUV body with permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. Depending on the market, the model had several engine options:

 

Gasoline:

• 3.6 FSI (280 HP) – the base option for the USA and Europe.
• 4.2 FSI (360 HP) – the V8 version.
• 3.0 TSI Hybrid (380 HP) – the hybrid modification (2010–2016).

 

Diesel:

• 3.0 TDI (204–245 HP) – the most popular option in Europe.
• 4.2 TDI (340 HP) – the top diesel version.
• V8 TDI (421 HP) – the exclusive Touareg R50 model (2007–2010, but some elements carried over to the Mk2).

 

Extreme Versions:
The Touareg V10 TDI (in Mk1) did not receive a direct successor, but the Touareg R GT (2018) concept with a diesel V8 became the farewell version before the generational change.

 

2014 Facelift

In 2014, the Touareg was updated with:

• New lighting (LED headlights).
• A revised radiator grille (wider, similar to the Passat B7).
• An upgraded multimedia system (Discover Pro with a larger screen).
• Refined engines (reduced fuel consumption).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD10<

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Under the hood, unscrew the four screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the radiator grille.
3. Release the eight clips at the bottom and remove the radiator grille (pull the lower part of the grille toward you with a jerk. If the clips don’t release, you can use a wire hook to lift them one by one from the inside while pulling the grille toward you).
4. Behind the grille, unscrew the four screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper.
5. From underneath, unscrew the nine screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part (wheel arch extensions).
6. Turn the wheels to the side.
7. Release the wheel arch extensions from the bumper (held by clips; pull them toward you from bottom to top).
8. Unscrew two screws on each side securing the fender liners and one screw securing the corners to the guide rails in the fenders.
9. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
10. With an assistant, remove the front bumper forward (ensure wires and hoses are not torn).
11. Disconnect the electronic component connectors.
12. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses (note: fluid will leak from the reservoir).

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Open the plastic covers in the trunk side panels.
3. Under the covers, unscrew the plastic fasteners securing the taillights (an 11 mm socket will be needed).
4. Release the clips and remove the taillights.
5. Behind the taillights, unscrew the four screws (fastened top to bottom) and remove two push pins (note: the center pin will fall behind the bumper when pressed. Retrieve it for reinstallation).
6. From underneath, unscrew the six screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part and two screws securing the wheel arch extensions.
7. Release the rear part of the wheel arch extensions from the clips (pull toward you from bottom to top. Be careful with the fender clips, as they can break easily. Bend the fender liner and squeeze the pins with your fingers).
8. Under the wheel arch extensions, unscrew one screw on each side securing the corners to the fenders.
9. In the wheel arches, unscrew two screws on each side securing the fender liners (rear part).
10. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners toward you).
11. Release the clips in the trunk opening.
12. With an assistant, remove the bumper backward (watch for wires).
13. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if present).

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Model Description

The Touareg Mk2 was positioned as a premium SUV with high levels of comfort and off-road capability. Unlike more budget-friendly Volkswagen SUVs (e.g., the Tiguan), it offered:

• Air suspension (optional).
• Terrain Tech system (off-road modes).
• A luxurious interior with leather, wood, and aluminum trim.
  Despite its dimensions (~4.8 m in length), the Touareg Mk2 did not have a third row of seats, unlike the Audi Q7.

 

Interesting Facts

• Shared roots with Porsche and Bentley – the PL52 platform was also used in the Bentley Bentayga (2015), making the Touareg a "budget relative" of luxury models.
• The hybrid version was not popular – due to its high price and complexity, the Touareg Hybrid sold worse than diesel variants.
• Rally raid participation – racing versions of the Touareg Mk2 were built for the Dakar Rally, where Volkswagen achieved victories before leaving the sport in 2013.
• Military version – in some countries, the Touareg was used as a command vehicle (e.g., in Germany).
• The last diesel V8 – the 4.2 TDI version (after 2015) became rare due to stricter environmental regulations.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 is a successful blend of comfort and off-road capability. Despite competition from the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, it retained a loyal audience thanks to its reliability and solidity. The 2014 facelift extended the model’s lifespan, but by 2018, it was already lagging behind more modern SUVs.

Today, the Touareg Mk2 remains in demand on the used car market, especially diesel versions with good fuel efficiency and durability.