Choosing engine oil for Nissan Murano Z50 (2008–2014) is a task that requires attention to detail. This crossover is equipped with gasoline engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) or VQ25DE (2.5 l), places strict demands on lubricants. Incorrect oil selection can lead to accelerated wear timing chains, problems with hydraulic compensators or even stuck piston rings - typical “diseases” of this generation.

In this article we will analyze official Nissan approvals, optimal viscosity characteristics for different climatic conditions, as well as the nuances of changing the oil - from choosing a filter to monitoring the level after filling. We will pay special attention critical mistakes that 80% of owners make when replacing them themselves, and we’ll give you a checklist for an error-free procedure.

Official Nissan oil requirements for Murano Z50

The manufacturer clearly regulates the oil parameters for Murano Z50 in the service manual. Main criteria:

  • 🔹 Tolerances: API SN (or higher) ILSAC GF-5. For the European market - ACEA A5/B5.
  • 🔹 Viscosity: 5W-30 - a universal option for most regions. Allowed in hot climates 5W-40, in Arctic conditions - 0W-20 (but only at temperatures below −30°C).
  • 🔹 Nissan Specifications: oil must meet standard Nissan Genuine Oil or its analogues marked “For Nissan”.
  • 🔹 Volume: 4.8 l for VQ35DE (with filter replacement), 4.3 l for VQ25DE.

Important: Nissan does not recommend using oils with a viscosity 10W-40 or higher - this may lead to increased fuel consumption and worsening cold starts. Energy-saving oils are also prohibited (API Resource Conserving), unless they are certified ILSAC GF-5.

⚠️ Attention! In engines Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, it is strictly forbidden to fill in oils with a viscosity lower 5W-30. Oil dilution will increase wear crankshaft bearings and can cause knocking in the engine.
📊 What oil do you use in your Nissan Murano Z50?
  • Original Nissan 5W-30
  • Mobil 1 5W-30
  • Liqui Moly 5W-40
  • Other synthetic
  • Semi-synthetics

The best oils for Nissan Murano Z50: rating 2026

Based on tests from independent laboratories (including Oil Club And AutoExpress) and reviews from owners, we have compiled a rating of oils that are optimal for Murano Z50:

Brand and model Viscosity Tolerances Pros Cons
Nissan Genuine Oil 5W-30 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 Optimal compatibility with VQ35DE, low burn High price, difficult to find in retail
Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 5W-30 API SN, ACEA A5/B5 Excellent cleaning power, suitable for turbo engines Can be counterfeited
Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 Reduces hydraulic compensator noise, stable viscosity High consumption for waste (up to 300 ml/10 thousand km)
Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 Low ash content, recommended for Japanese engines Difficult to find in small towns

For engines with mileage over 200 thousand km, experts recommend switching to 5W-40 with a high content of anti-wear additives (for example, Castrol Edge 5W-40 or Motul X-Clean 5W-40). This is due to the natural increase in gaps in friction pairs.

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Before purchasing oil, check its authenticity through the official websites of the manufacturers. For example, Mobil And Liqui Moly have verification services using a QR code on the canister.

When and how often to change the oil in a Murano Z50

Official regulations Nissan for Murano Z50 provides for oil changes every 15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. However, these standards are designed for ideal operating conditions:

  • 🌡️ Ambient temperature from −20°C to +30°C.
  • 🛣️ Smooth driving style without sudden acceleration.
  • 🚗 No trailer towing or overloading.
  • 💨 Clean air (no dust, sand, salts).

In reality, the majority of owners operate the car in difficult conditions (city traffic jams, short trips, frosts below −25°C), which reduces the replacement interval to 8–10 thousand km. Signs that it's time to change the oil:

  • 🔧 Darkening of the oil on the dipstick (the color is close to black).
  • 🔊 Increased noise of hydraulic compensators on a cold engine.
  • 📉 Loss of oil pressure (the warning lamp lights up at speeds above 2000 rpm).
  • 🚬 The appearance of a burning smell from under the hood.
⚠️ Attention! If metal particles are visible in the oil on the dipstick or it has metallic shine, this is a signal of critical engine wear. In this case it is required diagnostics at service stations with possible disassembly of the cylinder head.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a Nissan Murano Z50

Do-it-yourself oil change Murano Z50 requires preparation. You will need:

  • 🔧 Oil filter puller (for example, KTC 3005 for filters 15208-9E000).
  • 🛢️ Funnel with a narrow neck (diameter no more than 20 mm).
  • 🔩 14 mm wrench for drain plug.
  • 🧻 Lint-free rags and a container for working out (minimum 5 l).

Procedure:

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C), but do not turn it off immediately—let it idle for 2–3 minutes. This will ensure better waste drainage.

  2. Lift the car on a lift or drive it onto an overpass. The drain plug is in back of the pallet (not to be confused with an automatic transmission plug!).

  3. Unscrew the cap with a 14 mm wrench, first replacing the container. Don't lose the O-ring - it needs to be cleaned or replaced.

  4. Drain the oil (the process will take 10–15 minutes). Then unscrew the oil filter (it is located to the right of the engine when looking in the direction of travel).

  5. Before installing a new filter 15208-9E000 (or an analogue, for example, Mann W712/75) Apply a thin layer of oil to its O-ring.

  6. Screw in the plug with a new seal (tightening torque: 35 Nm) and fill in fresh oil through the neck on the valve cover.

  7. Start the engine, let it run for 1-2 minutes, then check the level with the dipstick. Top up if necessary.

☑️ Checklist before changing the oil

Done: 0 / 5

A critical mistake of many owners - underfilling or overfilling of oil. The optimal level on the dipstick is between the marks MIN And MAX, but closer to the upper limit. An overflow of 0.5 liters or more can lead to oil foaming and damage to the seals.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is higher MAX more than 5 mm, it must be pumped out through the probe using a syringe with a tube. Driving with overflow is fraught with squeezing out the crankshaft and camshaft seals.

Common problems after an oil change and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed, owners Murano Z50 face typical problems:

Problem Possible reason Solution
Oil pressure light comes on after replacement Insufficient oil level or faulty sensor Add oil to normal level. If the lamp does not go out, check the sensor (25580-3M600)
Noise from hydraulic compensators after filling with new oil Poor oil quality or viscosity mismatch Replace the oil with the recommended one. If the noise remains, flush the engine.
Oil leak from under the filter Poor seal or overtightened filter Tighten the filter (torque - 18 Nm) or replace the sealing ring
Increased oil consumption for waste Worn oil rings or valve seals Use oil with high temperature viscosity 5W-40 and add an anti-fuel additive

If after changing the oil the engine begins to operate unstably (speeds fluctuate, vibrations appear), the cause may be air entering the oil system. In this case:

  1. Stop the engine and let the oil drain into the pan (10–15 minutes).

  2. Check the level and top up if necessary.

  3. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-7 minutes.

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If problems persist after rechecking, the cause may be a poor quality oil filter. Use only original filters Nissan or certified analogues (Mann, Mahle, Framm).

CVT oil for Nissan Murano Z50: another story

Many owners Murano Z50 overlook that variator JF011E also requires regular oil changes. Official interval - every 60,000 km, but when operating in the city or towing a trailer, it should be reduced to 40,000 km.

CVT oil requirements:

  • 🔹 Only original Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (catalog number KLE52-00004) or its analogue Idemitsu CVTF.
  • 🔹 Prohibited use DEXRON or other ATF fluids!
  • 🔹 The volume for a full replacement is 8.5 l, for a partial replacement (drain/fill) — 4.5 l.

Signs that it’s time to change the oil in the variator:

  • 🔊 Crunching or grinding noise when switching modes P→D.
  • 🚗 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h).
  • 📈 Increasing engine speed without increasing speed (“slipping” of the variator).
⚠️ Attention! If visible in the variator oil metal shavings or it smells like burning, this is a signal about critical wear of cones. In this case, diagnostics are required at a service station with possible replacement of the belt and pulleys.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about oil for Murano Z50

Can I use semi-synthetic oil in the Murano Z50?

No, the manufacturer categorically does not recommend semi-synthetics. Engines VQ35DE And VQ25DE designed for fully synthetic oil with high thermal stability. Semi-synthetics oxidize faster and can cause the formation of varnish deposits on the valves.

What happens if you exceed the oil change interval by 5 thousand km?

If the interval is exceeded by 30–50% (up to 20–22 thousand km), the risks are as follows:

  • 🔧 Accelerated wear timing chains (typical problem Murano Z50).
  • 🔥 Engine overheating due to deterioration of heat dissipation.
  • 🛑 The occurrence of piston rings (leads to maslozhora up to 1 l/1000 km).

If the oil has not been changed for more than 25 thousand km, it is required engine flushing before replacement.

What kind of oil should I put in the Murano Z50 with LPG?

For engines with gas-cylinder equipment, oil with a high ash content is recommended (API SN Plus) and viscosity 5W-40. Optimal options:

  • 🔹 Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
  • 🔹 Motul Specific DEXOS2 5W-40
  • 🔹 Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A5

Replacement interval for HBO - every 8–10 thousand km.

Do I need to flush the engine when changing the oil?

Flushing is required in three cases:

  1. When switching from one type of oil to another (for example, from 5W-30 on 5W-40).
  2. If the previous oil was of poor quality or fake.
  3. If the replacement interval is exceeded by more than 10 thousand km.

For rinsing use soft flushing oils (For example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung), but not aggressive “five minutes”!

How to check the originality of Nissan oil?

Original oil Nissan Genuine Oil has the following characteristics:

  • 🔹 The canister is made of matte white plastic (not transparent!).
  • 🔹 Engraved on the bottom of the canister serial number, matching the number on the label.
  • 🔹 The cover has protective ring, which comes off when first opened.
  • 🔹 The label indicates manufacturer's address (For example, Nissan Motor Oil Europe).

Check the oil according to QR code on the website Nissan Global.