VW bumpers buying guide

I will review VW bumpers here. Make sure to go through this area of the website carefully before you buy your VW bumper. I will go over many different styles of bumpers. Let's get started!

Manufacturers

Many different companies make VW bumpers. Some companies that make VW bumpers are: VW themselves, Reiger, Oettinger, Caractere, Ingo Noak, Dietrich, JE design, Extreme Dimensions, Mattig, Lumma, LS Design, Raid HP, Bonrath, Garbino, Kerscher Sport, ABT, Freedom Design, Projektzwo, Emphase, and many, many more.

For MKIV owners I would recommend getting the European version of the MKIV bumper installed to make it easier to add a lip spoiler or ¾ bumper skin, if that's the direction that you want to go. Generally, the German brands (Bonrath, Oettinger, Reiger, etc.) have the highest quality product, but that comes at a cost. See below for a list of estimated costs for bumpers and bodykits.

Prices

Keep in mind that these prices do not include installation, paint, or other special work.

VW front bumpers can range anywhere from $250 - $900 depending on the style and model.

VW rear can range anywhere from $300 - $1,200. The higher price is due to the fact that the rear bumper has more material making it more expensive.

Prices for complete VW body kits range from $750 - $3,500. The price depends on style, material of the bumper, and brand name.

We have found that www.InCarParts.com consistently has the lowest prices in the business. Their customer service is top notch and they actually have a working technical knowledge of the tuning products market.

Styles

The primary tuning style for VWs is OEM+ with many owners usually adding pieces that add to car while still maintaining a original look. For a unique look, we suggest using an aftermarket style bumper.

Some VW owners buy aftermarket bumpers that are off different or newer generation bumpers, but made so that it fits properly to their specific VW. This will add quite a nice look for your car.

Lastly, there are specialty designed bumpers that are designed to look Unique. Look on Google photo's for some examples.

Whatever look you decide on, make sure that you are strategic about it. Have in mind what you want the final product to look like. You want to have a look that is balanced and flows well.

Our Recommendations

We have tested many aftermarket bumpers and below are what we recommend:

  • You can buy OE aftermarket items from Votex - the VW owned aftermarket supplier. These products generally have superb fit, especially when you have converted your US spec bumper to Euro Spec. Remember that the prices are outrageous and that your car will not be 100% unique with these parts since many people opt to go with Votex for their styling needs. Additionally, these are not for your outrageous styling fans, more for subtle styling enthusiasts, which most VW people fall under.
  • Reiger, Oettinger, Caractere, and the other German brands have fit that rivals OE. However, they are also slightly more expensive. These companies go through the trouble of test fitting donor cars and then putting them through extensive research and real world driving. This is done to test initial fitment and durability of the product. Also, these highline companies almost always use ABS plastic or polyurethane material that is crack resistant, unlike some other aftermarket manufacturers. Is this research and development necessary? NO! Does this research development produce the best aftermarket VW bumper? YES!
  • Other aftermarket companies usually have average to good quality; most of the time, these companies use fiberglass material. While fiberglass has come a long way, I still recommend ABS plastic or Polyurethane. With these bumpers it is best to have a professional body shop do the work. The bumpers sometimes require custom work before they look perfect. Properly installed, they will give your car a look like no other. Also, they are great for that person looking for unique styling products for their VW.

If you are going to buy any body parts, I highly suggest buying from an informed retailer like InCarParts.com. Call them, ask them questions, and get to know them. It is best to establish a relationship with the company you buy parts from. From my experience, I think that Incarparts.com is great. They always have the parts we ordered on hand, and speaking from personal experience shipping is excellent. I have used many vendors and no one has the level of service that InCarParts.com has.

I hope that this webpage helps to answer some of your questions regarding VW bumpers. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me @ info@vwbumpers.com. Also, let me know if you have suggestions or comments for me.

Thanks!