Passate B5.5 Estate Rear Light Removal

[WesleyP]

How on earth are you supposed to gain access to the nearside rear light assembly of a Passat Estate (B5,5, 2001) to change bulbs? The four nuts holding the lamp unit in are either behind the trim panel or the plastic rack holding the CD Player, Warning Triangle etc. The bolts holding this rack in place are mainly behind the trim panel! Anybody done this before? I've seen various other posts on the subject which make it sound easier than it is - am I missing something? Thanks

[snapdragon]

All you do is open the upholstery flap, squeeze the black plastic tabs and the black plastic bulb holder is withdrawn. I think there are two of three tabs to squeeze/unclip. No bolts need undoing, it should only take a minute, use a torch, there may also be a cable connector to unclip and pull out. The firs time may take a while as you don't want to break anything, after that you can do it blindfolded.

[4dogbob]

nothings ever easy is it
it took me an age just to get at the sidelight bulbs, i swear vw design these cars to be as awkward as possible to us simpletons lol