Mk3Love [mark-three-luhv] a lively enthusiasm for Volkswagen's third generation Golf and Jetta platform.

The Differences Between Bumpers

AUTHOR
Mike

INTRODUCTION
Due to differeing safety regulations and specific requirements for lighting, Volkswagen had to make several different versions of Mk3 bumpers. This article will explain those differences AND illustrate them for you with photos.

UNITED STATES
In the US, all Mk3 Golf/Jetta front bumpers are interchangeable. All of them have six slats in the lower bumper main grill. They also have sidemarkers in the side of the bumper. In comparison to their European counterparts, the US bumpers also stick out farther (are longer) to accommodate different crash test specifications. Also, all US bumpers come with smooth bumper tops. There were some models in Canada that came with fully textured bumpers. US bumpers are also completely smooth on the front with no indentation for a license plate. Golf/Jetta rear bumpers differ in size, as is to be expected for the body style, but like the fronts, they are longer for safety reasons.

EUROPE
In Europe, there are two types of Mk3 bumpers: the Golf and the Vento. They are shaped virtually the same, but there are some differences. Golf lips will not fit perfectly on Vento bumpers. If you are ordering a front lip, you must specify which model it is going on. Golf bumpers have six slats in the lower bumper main grill (similar to the US), but Vento bumpers only have four slats. Also, European bumpers do not have sidemarkers. And finally, European bumpers saw both textured and smoothed bumper tops, and in some cases, entirely textured bumpers. Euro fronts have an indentation in the bumper for the Europlate to mount to. Rear bumpers in Europe tend to be shorter in length than US bumpers and also have either textured or smoothed bumper tops.

Any of these front bumpers can be fitted onto any model, and a front end swap (headlights, grill, hood, fenders) does not require a matching front bumper.


HELP US MAKE THIS GUIDE COMPLETE
If you have more information about Mk3 bumpers or a photo that would work well to illustrate the differences, please email it to us.