Oil filter for Nissan Murano Z50: how to select and replace without mistakes

Oil filter in Nissan Murano Z50 (2008–2015) is not just a consumable, but a critical element of the lubrication system, on which the engine life depends VQ35DE or VQ25DE. A poor-quality or incorrectly installed filter can lead to oil starvation, accelerated wear of the turbine (if there is one), or even jamming of the engine. In this article, we will look at how to choose a filter among original and analogue ones, avoid counterfeits, and also perform the replacement yourself - taking into account nuances that are not written about in standard instructions.

Feature Murano Z50 - sensitivity to oil pressure. If the filter has a low flow rate or a defective bypass valve, this may cause false alarm of oil pressure sensor on the dashboard. We analyzed owner reviews, technical bulletins Nissan and filter test results to create a checklist of selection criteria and step-by-step instructions with photos of key stages.

Original oil filter for Murano Z50: part numbers and features

Official catalog Nissan offers two filter options for Murano Z50, depending on the year of manufacture and engine type:

• 🔧 15208-9F600 — for models 2008–2010. with motor VQ35DE (3.5 l). It has a metal body and a reinforced back pressure valve.
• 🔧 15208-9F60A - for restyled versions 2011–2015. It features a modified thread and a stiffer bypass valve spring.

Important: filter 15208-9F60A is not a complete analogue of 15208-9F600 - installing it on earlier models can lead to oil leakage due to a mismatch of the sealing ring. Both options come in original packaging Nissan with hologram and QR code for authentication. The cost of the original in official dealers is from 800 to 1,200 rubles.

The filter always comes with:

• 🔄 New sealing ring (rubber, black).
• 📄 Installation instructions indicating tightening torque (25–30 N m).
• 🛢️ A bag of preservative lubricant for carvings (not always, but often).

⚠️ Attention: Counterfeits of original filters with the article number are common on the market 15208-9F60B - this code does not exist in the directory Nissan. Such filters often have a thin-walled housing and a low-quality valve, which leads to it jamming after 3–5 thousand km.

Analogues of oil filters: what to choose instead of the original

If the original filter is not available or you want to save money, you can consider analogues from trusted brands. The main thing is to make sure that the filter has:

• 🔍 Corresponding thread diameter (M20×1.5 for Murano Z50).
• 📏 Case height at least 75 mm (otherwise the filter will rest against the pan).
• 🔄 Bypass valve with response pressure 1.1–1.3 bar.

The table below shows the best analogues, confirmed by tests and reviews from owners:

Brand	Article	Country of origin	Features	Price, rub.
Mann-Filter	W 712/94	Germany/Romania	Reinforced body, brass valve	500–700
Bosch	0 451 103 336	Portugal	High dirt holding capacity but weak valve spring	450–600
Framm	PH7317	USA/China	Good filtration, but thin body metal	350–500
Mahle	OC 593/3	Germany	Optimal price/quality balance, recommended for turbocharged versions	600–800

Among the budget options (< 300 rubles) you can consider SCT Germany SM 101 or Nipparts N1310510, but their resource rarely exceeds 7–8 thousand km. If you are exploiting Murano in difficult conditions (towing, off-road), it is better to give preference Mann-Filter or Mahle.

When and how often to change the oil filter on a Murano Z50

Official regulations Nissan recommends replacing the oil filter every 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions:

• 🌡️ The ambient temperature is not lower than -15°C and not higher than +35°C.
• 🛣️ Highway mileage is at least 60% of the total.
• 🚗 There are no loads (towing, driving with a trailer).

In reality the majority Murano Z50 are operated under more severe conditions, so the recommended replacement interval is 10,000 km or once every 8–10 months. Signs that the filter requires early replacement:

• 🛑 Lights up on the instrument panel oil pressure icon (red oil can) at idle speed.
• 🔊 Extraneous noise in the area of the oil pump (knock or hum).
• 💨 Black exhaust and increased oil consumption (indicates a clogged filter).

⚠️ Attention: If you are using semi-synthetic oil (for example, 5W-40), the filter may clog faster due to the higher additive content. In this case, reduce the replacement interval to 8,000 km.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the oil filter

Replacing the filter with Murano Z50 does not require special skills, but there are several nuances that are not written about in standard manuals. You will need:

• 🔧 Oil filter puller (chain or cup 76 mm).
• 🛠️ 14 mm wrench for drain plug.
• 🧻 Rags and container for used oil (minimum 5 l).
• 🔨 Torque wrench (optional, but recommended).

Sequence of actions:

1. Turn off the engine and wait 10–15 minutes for the oil to drain into the pan. Lift the car on a lift or drive it onto an overpass.

2. Remove the crankcase protection (if there is one) - it is secured with 4 10 mm wrench bolts.

3. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located closer to the back of the pan) and unscrew it with a 14 mm wrench. Be careful - the oil will be hot!

4. After draining the oil, move the container under the filter. It is located in front, closer to the radiator. Use a puller to unscrew the filter counterclockwise.

5. Before installing a new filter:

   • 🧴 Apply a thin layer of motor oil to the O-ring.
   • 🔧 Fill the filter with fresh oil to 1/3 volume (this will speed up engine starting after replacement).
   • 🔩 Tighten the filter by hand until it stops, then tighten it 3/4 turn (or use a torque wrench with a force of 25 Nm).

Screw in the drain plug (tightening torque: 35–40 Nm) and add oil to the level between the marks MIN And MAX on the dipstick.

Check the oil level with a dipstick|Make sure there are no leaks from under the filter|Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes at idle|Check the oil pressure (should go out 1-2 seconds after starting)-->

After replacing, start the engine and let it idle for 3-5 minutes. Be sure to check:

• 💧 Are there any oil leaks from under the filter or drain plug?
• 🚨 Has the oil pressure indicator on the instrument panel gone out?
• 🔊 Are there any extraneous noises (knock or vibration) from the oil pump?

Typical mistakes when replacing a filter and their consequences

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when replacing the oil filter, which can lead to serious damage. Here are the most common of them:

1. Filter reupholstery. If you tighten the filter with a force of more than 30 Nm, you can damage the O-ring or strip the threads on the cylinder block. Consequences: oil leak and pressure drop in the system.

2. Using a low-quality puller. Cheap chain pullers often slip, which leads to the edges on the filter breaking off. In this case, you will have to drill out the filter or contact service.

3. Forgot to lubricate the O-ring. A dry ring may stick to the block or break when tightened, causing a leak.

4. Incorrect filter selection. For example, installing a filter from Nissan X-Trail T31 (article 15208-9F601) will cause it to rest against the pan and not be sealed.

5. Didn't wait until the oil was completely drained. If you do not drain the old oil completely, the new oil will mix with the waste oil, which will reduce its service life by 30–40%.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the filter, the oil pressure lamp on the instrument panel continues to light for more than 3-5 seconds, turn off the engine immediately! This may indicate a faulty oil pump or clogged oil intake channels.

What to do if the filter is “stuck” and cannot be unscrewed?

If the filter cannot be removed, try the following methods:

1. Warm up the engine for 5-10 minutes - thermal expansion may loosen the tightening.

2. Tap the filter housing with a rubber hammer (not a metal one!) to break the seal.

3. Drill a hole in the bottom of the filter and insert a screwdriver into it to use as a lever.

4. As a last resort, use a special crab-type puller or contact a service center, where they will drill out the filter and cut a new thread.

How to check the quality of an oil filter before purchasing

Counterfeits and low-quality filters are often indistinguishable from the originals in appearance, but have critical defects. Here's how to identify them:

• 🔍 Packaging. Original filters Nissan Packed in thick cardboard with a hologram and QR code. The packaging must indicate the article number, country of production (Japan or Thailand) and release date.
• 🧲 Magnetic test. Place a magnet close to the filter housing - if it sticks, it means the housing is made of low-quality steel (the original uses stainless steel).
• 📏 Weight. The original filter weighs at least 300 g. Fakes are often lighter due to the thin metal.
• 🔧 Valve. Disassemble the filter (if possible) and check the valve spring - it should be made of stainless steel, not ordinary wire.

Also pay attention to:

• 🛡️ Quality rubber seal. In the original it is black, elastic and has no burrs. Counterfeits often use hard rubber, which cracks during installation.
• 🧵 Carving. It should be smooth, without burrs or traces of corrosion. On the original filter, the threads are coated with a preservative lubricant.

Frequently asked questions about oil filters for Murano Z50

Can I use an oil filter from a Nissan Qashqai J10 on a Murano Z50?

No, you can't. Filter from Qashqai J10 (article 15208-4M50A) has a different diameter and body height. Its installation will lead to the fact that the filter will not fit tightly to the cylinder block, which will cause oil leakage.

What happens if you don't change the oil filter when changing the oil?

If you leave the old filter, it will become clogged with wear products and deposits, which will lead to:

• Reduced oil pressure in the system.
• Accelerated wear of crankshaft bearings and camshafts.
• Increased oil consumption due to a jammed bypass valve.

In critical cases this may cause rotation of the liners and engine overhaul.

Which oil filter is better - with a metal or plastic housing?

For Murano Z50 filters with metal body, since they:

• Withstands higher pressure (up to 10 bar).
• Less susceptible to deformation when re-stretching.
• They dissipate heat better, which is important for turbocharged versions.

Filters with a plastic housing (for example, some models Framm) can burst due to sudden changes in temperature or pressure.

Do I need to flush the engine when replacing the oil filter?

Flushing the engine when replacing the filter not required, if:

• You use oil of the same brand and viscosity.
• The replacement interval did not exceed 15,000 km.
• There are no visible deposits or metal shavings in the oil.

If the oil is heavily contaminated or you are switching to another type (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic), you can use short rinsing (5–10 minutes) at idle speed.

Is it possible to drive with a clogged oil filter if the pressure lamp does not light up?

No, driving with a clogged filter is strictly not recommended, even if the pressure lamp does not indicate a problem. The point is that:

• The oil pressure sensor only activates when critical pressure drop (usually below 0.3 bar).
• A clogged filter creates additional load on the oil pump, which reduces its service life.
• Through a jammed bypass valve, unfiltered oil with abrasive particles can enter the system.

If you suspect the filter is clogged (for example, the oil is turning black quickly or there are metal shavings on the dipstick), replace it ahead of schedule.