Selecting and replacing engine oil for Nissan Murano Z51

The correct choice of lubricants is the foundation for the durability of any modern car, and the crossover Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) is no exception. Under the hood of this model, reliable, but demanding on the quality of lubrication, gasoline engines of the VQ series are installed, which produce excellent dynamics, but are also sensitive to temperature conditions and filtration quality.

If you are the owner Nissan Murano Z51, then you probably know that this car requires a special approach to maintenance. Incorrectly selected viscosity or non-compliance with replacement intervals can lead to accelerated wear of parts cylinder-piston group, which will ultimately result in expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the power plant.

In this article, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of oil selection, the specifications required by the manufacturer, and give specific recommendations on brands and service intervals for your car.

VQ engine features and lubrication requirements

VQ engines installed on Nissan Murano, are characterized by a high degree of boost and a complex gas distribution system. The design of these units uses phase shifters (CVTC system), which operate solely due to oil pressure. Any deviations in viscosity or the presence of impurities can disrupt the operation of this system, leading to a drop in power and the appearance of extraneous noise.

To ensure stable operation variable valve timing systems Only oils that meet strict standards must be used. The manufacturer strongly recommends adherence to API SN or later (SP) and ILSAC GF-5/GF-6 specifications. The use of outdated or low-quality lubricants is unacceptable, as they quickly lose their properties at high engine operating temperatures.

It is important to consider that the volume of the oil system in the VQ35DE engine (or its modifications) is about 4.5–5 liters, depending on the presence of a filter and the type of replacement. When choosing containers, a dilemma often arises: take 4-liter canisters and add a liter, or immediately look for a volume of 5 liters.

Particular attention should be paid thermal stability oil, since the crossover is often used in traffic jams or on the highway at high speed.

In heavy use, the oil pump is pushed to the limit, so the quality of the lubricating film is critical for protection crankshaft and liners.

• 🛠️ Checking the oil level should be carried out on a cold engine after 5-10 minutes of parking.
• 🛠️ Using non-original filters can disrupt the oil pressure and the operation of the phase shifters.
• 🛠️ Regular monitoring for leaks in the valve cover gasket area is a common problem with this unit.

Viscosity choice: 5W-30 vs 5W-40

One of the most common questions from owners is the choice between viscosity 5W-30 and 5W-40. Factory instructions for Nissan Murano Z51 most often indicates preference 5W-30 as the optimal balance between protection and fuel efficiency. However, operating conditions in Russia often dictate their own rules, especially in regions with harsh winters and hot summers.

The 5W-30 viscosity provides better flow properties at low temperatures, which makes the engine easier to start and reduces wear during cold starts. At the same time, this viscosity creates a thinner oil film, which can be a disadvantage under very high loads or engine mileage over 150 thousand kilometers.

If your car has significant mileage or you often use it for dynamic driving, you should consider upgrading to 5W-40.

Thicker oil holds onto parts better at high temperatures and can compensate for slight wear of the clearances in the cylinder-piston group.

However, you should not get carried away with the thickness: using 10W-40 or 10W-60 oil without good reason is strictly not recommended, as this will lead to increased fuel consumption and overheating of the oil.

Oil type	Recommended mileage	Operating conditions	Features
5W-30	up to 100,000 km	Moderate climate, city, highway	Optimal protection and fuel economy
5W-40	more than 100,000 km	Hot climate, active driving, traffic jams	Improved protection under high loads
0W-30	up to 100,000 km	Harsh winters, north	Maximum start at -35°C and below

⚠️ Attention: Do not mix oils with different viscosities and from different manufacturers, even in emergency situations, if you can get to a service center. This can lead to sedimentation and loss of lubricity.

Mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic?

Modern engines Nissan Murano Z51 are structurally designed exclusively for the use of high-quality synthetic lubricants Mineral oils and simple semi-synthetic compounds are not able to provide the required level of protection for phase shifters and hydraulic tensioners of timing chains.

Synthetics have a stable molecular structure that does not break down at extreme temperatures and retains its properties longer. This is critical for turbocharged or high-revving engines, although naturally aspirated versions are more common on the Murano Z51 and require an equally high-quality approach.

Semi-synthetics (hydrocracking) can only be considered as a temporary measure or for very old engines with a lot of wear, but in the long term it is inferior to full synthetics.

Modern energy saving oils contain a package of additives that not only protect against wear, but also clean the engine of soot and sludge.

When choosing a brand, pay attention to the availability of approval API SN or SP and ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 on the canister.

• 💧 Fully synthetic oils provide better protection against sudden temperature changes.
• 💧 Hydrocracking oils (often positioned as synthetics) are cheaper, but have a shorter resource.
• 💧 Esters and PAO synthetics provide maximum protection, but are much more expensive.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid buying oil on tap or in suspicious packaging without protective holograms. A counterfeit could cost you more in engine repairs than the car itself is worth.

Replacement intervals and operating features

Factory regulations for Nissan Murano often specifies a replacement interval of 15,000 km or once a year. However, this regulation was developed for ideal operating conditions, which are extremely rare in our realities. The actual oil life is significantly less than the declared one, especially when driving in city traffic jams.

When operating in mode stop-and-go (frequent stops, warm-ups, short trips) the oil degrades faster than when driving on the highway.

Oil loses its cleaning properties, accumulates combustion products and oxidizes, turning into an aggressive environment for metal.

It is recommended to shorten the replacement interval to 8,000 – 10,000 km to ensure maximum engine reliability and preserve its service life.

If you use the car in dusty roads or harsh climates, the interval should be reduced even further - to 7,000 km.

What happens if you don't change the oil on time?

If the oil is not changed on time, sludge accumulates, which clogs the oil channels. This leads to oil starvation, overheating and scuffing in the cylinders, as well as failure of the phase shifters. Repairs in this case will be very expensive.

DIY oil change procedure

Changing the oil to Nissan Murano Z51 It is not particularly difficult, but requires care and the availability of suitable tools. You will need a drain plug wrench (often a specific size is required, such as 17mm or 19mm), an oil filter, and a container to drain the waste.

Before starting work, it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature so that the oil becomes more fluid and flows out completely. Then you need to place the car on a platform or lift, remove the crankcase protection and place a container under the drain plug.

After draining the old oil, it must be replaced oil filter. On the VQ35DE engine, the filter is located in a hard-to-reach place; sometimes it is necessary to remove additional elements or use a special key.

It is important to lubricate the rubber O-ring of the new filter with a small amount of fresh oil before installation.

The drain plug must be tightened firmly, but not overtightened, so as not to strip the threads in the oil pan.

• 🔧 Use only the original filter or high-quality analogues (Mann, Mahle, Mahle).
• 🔧 Check the condition of the drain plug and the magnet on it - it should be clean and free of metal shavings.
• 🔧 After filling the oil, start the engine and check if the oil is leaking from under the filter or plug.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, be sure to reset the maintenance counter through the on-board computer menu, otherwise the service indicator will remain on constantly.

Level monitoring and signs of oil problems

Regularly checking the oil level is the easiest way to prevent serious damage. On Nissan Murano Z51 There is an electronic level sensor, but you shouldn’t rely on it alone. It is better to check the level physically using a dipstick.

The check should be carried out on a flat surface, after stopping the engine and waiting for 5-10 minutes to allow the oil to drain into the pan.

The level must be strictly between the marks MIN and MAX on the dipstick. Too much oil is no less dangerous than too little oil.

If the oil level drops quickly, the engine may have started freak out oil or there is an external leak.

A change in oil color to black or the appearance of a metallic sheen in it is a reason for immediate diagnosis.

• 🔍 Black oil is normal for a running engine if it is not thick as tar.
• 🔍 Emulsion (white foam) on the oil filler cap indicates antifreeze has entered the oil.
• 🔍 The smell of gasoline in oil indicates incorrect operation of the injection system or a rich mixture.

Popular brands and analogues

There are many oils on the market that are suitable for Nissan Murano Z51. Oil is often the official partner of Nissan Nissan Motor Oil, which is ideal in all respects. However, there are also high-quality analogues from global manufacturers.

Among the popular brands it is worth noting Shell Helix Ultra, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly and Castrol. All of them have the necessary approvals and additive packages that meet the manufacturer’s requirements.

The choice of a specific brand often depends on the owner's personal preferences and budget, but the main thing is the authenticity of the product and compliance with the specifications.

Avoid buying oils in markets or dubious places; give preference to official dealers or large auto parts chains.

For the VQ35DE engine, oils with a viscosity of 5W-30, such as Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30.

• 🏆 Shell Helix Ultra: Excellent cleaning ability and protection at high temperatures.
• 🏆 Mobil 1: High thermal stability and long replacement interval.
• 🏆 Liqui Moly: German quality, specialized lines for Japanese cars.

How to distinguish fake oil?

Pay attention to the quality of the label printing, the presence of holograms, the evenness of the canister seams and the smell of the oil. Counterfeits often have blurred fonts, crooked stickers and a specific chemical smell.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners

What oil is best for the new Murano Z51?

For a new car, it is recommended to use original Nissan 5W-30 oil or high-quality analogues (Shell, Mobil) with a viscosity of 5W-30. This will provide maximum initial protection and fuel economy.

Is it possible to mix 5W-30 and 5W-40 oil?

Mixing oils with different viscosities is not recommended, as this may upset the balance of additives and lead to changes in the properties of the lubricant. If the situation is critical, it is better to add a little oil to get to the service center, and then completely replace the lubricant.

How often should the oil filter be changed?

The oil filter must be changed at every oil change. Saving on the filter can lead to clogging of the oil channels and failure of the phase shifters, which will cost much more.

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

When switching to high-quality synthetic oil from a reputable brand, flushing is usually not required. If you change the oil at intervals of 8-10 thousand km, you just need to drain the old one and fill in the new one. Flushing is only necessary in case of serious problems with the engine.

How much oil is needed for a complete change?

A complete oil change in a VQ35DE (3.5 liter) engine requires approximately 4.5–5 liters of oil. It is recommended to buy a 5 liter canister or a 4L + 1L combination in order to have a reserve for refilling.