VW Touran 1 2003-2010 how to remove the bumpers

Model Name and Production Years

The first-generation Volkswagen Touran was produced from 2003 to 2010. In 2006, the model underwent a facelift that affected the exterior, interior, and technical specifications. In some countries, sales continued until 2011, but production mainly ended in 2010 with the introduction of the second facelift.

 

Model Code and Body Type

The Touran 1 is based on the PQ35 platform, which was also used in the Golf V, second-generation Audi A3, and SEAT León. The body codes are 1T1 (pre-facelift) and 1T3 (post-2006). It is a 5-door compact MPV with front-wheel or all-wheel drive (4Motion).

 

Modifications

The Touran was offered with petrol and diesel engines, as well as in several trim levels:

Petrol engines:

  • 1.6 MPI (102 HP, pre-facelift)
  • 1.4 TSI (140 HP, post-2006)
  • 1.6 FSI (115 HP, rare version)
  • 2.0 FSI (150 HP)

 

Diesel engines (TDI):

  • 1.9 TDI (90, 105, and 110 HP)
  • 2.0 TDI (140 HP, post-facelift)

 

Transmissions:

  • 5- and 6-speed manual
  • 6-speed automatic (Tiptronic)
  • 7-speed DSG (post-2006)

 

Drivetrain:

  • Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • All-wheel drive (4Motion, only with 2.0 TDI and 2.0 FSI)

 

Bumper Plastic Marking:

PP+EPDM-T10< or >PP+EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, unscrew the two screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the radiator grille. (2006-2010) Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the grille.
  3. Release the clips and remove the radiator grille.
  4. Under the radiator grille:
    • (2003-2006) Unscrew the two screws (fastened top to bottom) securing the upper part of the front bumper.
    • (2006-2010) Unscrew one screw (may not be present, fastened top to bottom) and release two clips (use a flathead screwdriver to press the tab and pull toward yourself).
  5. In the lower grille, unscrew two screws (post-2006, clips are used instead; release them with a long flathead screwdriver).
  6. From under the car, unscrew eight screws (fastened bottom to top).
  7. Turn the wheels inward.
  8. In the wheel arches, unscrew four (or three) screws on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
  9. Unscrew one screw on each side (fastened bottom to top) securing the corners to the guide rails in the fenders.
  10. Release the clips in the fenders (2003-2006: push the sides forward and pull toward yourself; 2006-2010: pull the corners toward yourself).
  11. With an assistant, remove the front bumper by pulling it forward (ensure wires and hoses are not torn).
  12. Disconnect electrical connectors, (if present) remove the temperature sensor.
  13. Disconnect the headlight washer hoses from the reservoir (note: fluid will leak).

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Touran 1 2003-2006

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Touran 1 2003-2006

Front Bumper Mounting Locations VW Touran 1 2006-2010

Front Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Touran 1 2006-2010

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

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

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. Remove the plastic trim near the taillights (held by clips).
  3. Under the trim, unscrew two screws on each side and remove the taillights (secured by clips in the fenders; slide outward from the trunk opening).
  4. Under the taillights, unscrew two screws on each side securing the upper part of the rear bumper.
  5. From under the car, unscrew four screws (fastened bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  6. (If present) In the wheel arches, unscrew the screws and remove the splash guards.
  7. Unscrew three screws on each side securing the rear part of the fender liners.
  8. Remove one push pin on each side securing the corners to the fenders.
  9. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward off the guide rails in the fenders (ensure wires are not damaged).
  10. Disconnect electrical connectors (if present).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Touran 1 2003-2010

Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram VW Touran 1 2003-2010

Model Description

The Touran was designed as a practical family car with a spacious interior. Despite its compact dimensions (length: 4.39 m), it offered seating for seven in the highest trim (third row optional). The trunk ranged from 695 to 1,919 liters with the seats folded.

The interior followed Volkswagen’s traditional style: high-quality materials, comfortable seating, but without excess. After the facelift, new design elements were introduced, including an updated instrument panel and a multimedia system.

The chassis provided a comfortable ride, though the suspension was tuned softer than in the Golf. All-wheel-drive versions (4Motion) used a Haldex multi-plate clutch.

 

Interesting Facts

  • Volkswagen’s first compact MPV, the Touran, was a response to the popular Renault Scénic and Opel Zafira. It combined the practicality of a minivan with the handling of a hatchback.
  • Safety – In 2003, the Touran received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to six airbags and ESP.
  • Interior flexibility – The second and third-row seats could be folded flat, turning the car into a small cargo van.
  • Eco-friendly versions – In 2007, the Touran EcoFuel, running on natural gas (methane), was introduced.
  • Sport version – In 2005, Volkswagen presented the Touran R-Line concept with a 2.0 TFSI (200 HP), but it never entered mass production.

 

Model Legacy

The Touran 1 laid the foundation for the success of the second generation. It proved that a compact MPV could be both practical and enjoyable to drive. Despite its age, many units remain on the road thanks to reliable TDI diesel engines.

 

Conclusion: The Volkswagen Touran 1 is a successful blend of compact size, spaciousness, and German quality. It was an ideal choice for families valuing functionality without sacrificing comfort.