Motor oil Nissan NS-3 is a specialized lubricating fluid developed by engineers Nissan for modern gasoline and diesel engines of the company. It meets the strict requirements of the manufacturer and provides optimal protection of rubbing parts under extreme operating conditions. However, when purchasing this oil, car owners often encounter confusion in part numbers, counterfeits, and questions about compatibility with specific models.
In this article we will analyze in detail official NS-3 oil articles, its technical specifications, and also give practical recommendations for choosing analogues. We will pay special attention to how to distinguish original products from counterfeit products - a problem that is especially relevant for popular brands. If you are the owner Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail or Juke, this information will help you avoid mistakes when servicing your car.
Official part numbers for Nissan NS-3 oil: how not to make a mistake when purchasing
Manufacturer Nissan releases oil NS-3 under several articles, which depends on the volume of containers and the region of delivery. Main original codes:
- 📦 KE900-90132 — 5 l canister (the most common option for service centers)
- 📦 KE900-90131 — 1 l canister (convenient for topping up)
- 📦 KE900-90130 — 4 l canister (less common in retail)
- 📦 KE900-90135 — barrel 208 l (for car services and dealerships)
Important: article numbers may vary depending on the batch and country of origin. For example, oil supplied to Europe, sometimes marked with additional letters (for example, KE900-90132E). However, the basic digital code remains unchanged.
When purchasing, be sure to check availability holograms on the canister and a barcode that can be scanned through the official application Nissan. Counterfeits often have blurry labels or typos in the article (for example, KE900-90123 instead of KE900-90132).
- Original NS-3
- Similar from another brand
- Semi-synthetics
- I don't know what's in there
Technical characteristics of NS-3: what the specification hides
Oil Nissan NS-3 belongs to the class semi-synthetic oils with improved cleaning and antioxidant properties. Its key parameters:
| Characteristics | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity grade (SAE) | 5W-30 |
Optimal for most climatic zones of Russia |
| API Specification | SN/CF |
Suitable for petrol and diesel engines |
| Manufacturer's approvals | Nissan 2016+ |
Recommended for models released after 2016 |
| Pour point | -39°C |
Guarantees cold starts in cold weather |
| Viscosity index | 165 |
High thermal stability |
Important note: NS-3 is not compatible with engines requiring approved oil Nissan NS-2 (for example, old models Almera or Tiida). Using the wrong oil can lead to increased wear on the turbine or diesel particulate filter (DPF) in diesel versions.
The oil composition includes an additive package Low SAPS (low content of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur), which extends the life of catalysts and particulate filters. This is especially true for owners Nissan Qashqai with engine 1.6 dCi or X-Trail with 2.0 dCi.
If you operate your car in city traffic jams or frequent short trips, reduce the NS-3 oil change interval to 7–8 thousand km instead of the recommended 15 thousand km.
Compatibility of NS-3 with Nissan models: application table
Manufacturer recommends oil NS-3 for most modern models Nissan, but with reservations. Below is the compatibility table:
| Model Nissan | Engine | Year of manufacture | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qashqai (J11) | 1.2 DIG-T, 1.6 dCi |
2014–present | Mandatory for engines with the system Start/Stop |
| X-Trail (T32) | 2.0 dCi, 2.5 petrol |
2014–present | Hybrid versions require oil with approval NS-4 |
| Juke (F15) | 1.0 DIG-T, 1.5 dCi |
2014–present | Does not fit models before 2014 |
| Navara (NP300) | 2.3 dCi (biturbo) |
2015–present | Requires shortened replacement intervals under heavy loads |
For cars with mileage of more than 150 thousand km, some service centers recommend switching to oil with a higher viscosity (for example, 5W-40), but this must be confirmed with the dealer as it may affect the warranty.
⚠️ Attention: Oil NS-3 doesn't fit for engines Nissan GT-R, 370Z and older models with naturally aspirated engines (for example, Almera N16). These vehicles require oils with different approvals (NS-2 or specialized sports teams).
How to distinguish original NS-3 oil from a fake: 5 key signs
Counterfeit oils Nissan NS-3 common in the market, especially in online stores with low prices. Here's what you should be wary of when purchasing:
- The price is below market. An original 5 liter canister costs from 3,500 to 4,200 rubles (for 2026). If the price is below 3,000 rubles, this is a reason to check.
- Label quality. On the original, the font is clear, without blurring, and the hologram changes color when tilted. Counterfeits often have dull colors and jagged edges.
- Canister lid. The original has it equipped protective ring, which breaks when first opened. On fakes, the ring is either missing or easily scrolled.
- Barcode. Must be scanned and lead to the official website Nissan. Counterfeits often contain non-existent codes or redirect to third-party resources.
- Oil consistency. Original NS-3 has a golden hue and moderate fluidity. Counterfeits may be too runny or cloudy.
An additional way to check is to ask the seller certificate of conformity per batch of oil. Official dealers Nissan always provide such documents.
What happens if you fill with fake oil?
Counterfeit NS-3 oil can lead to the following problems:
- Accelerated wear of the turbine (especially important for diesel engines) Qashqai And X-Trail).
- Blockage of oil channels due to low quality additives.
- Increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km).
- Failure of the variable valve timing (VVT) system due to insufficient lubrication.
In the worst case, this leads to a major overhaul of the engine after 50–80 thousand km.
Analogues of NS-3: what to fill if the original is not on sale
If the original oil Nissan NS-3 is not available in your region, you can use certified analogues with identical specifications. The main rule: the oil must meet the tolerance API SN/CF and viscosity 5W-30. Best options:
- 🔧 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — fully synthetic oil with low SAPS content, suitable for diesel engines with a particulate filter.
- 🔧 Motul Specific DEXOS2 5W-30 - universal option for gasoline and diesel engines Nissan.
- 🔧 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 - recommended for turbocharged engines (for example,
1.6 DIG-Tin Juke). - 🔧 Castrol EDGE Professional LL 5W-30 - used by some dealers Nissan as an alternative to NS-3.
When choosing an analogue, be sure to check with instruction manual your car. For example, for Nissan Navara with engine 2.3 dCi Approved oil required Renault RN0720, which not all analogues have.
⚠️ Attention: Do not mix NS-3 oil with analogues of other brands! Even if the specifications are the same, different additive packages may react, causing sludge to form and clog the oil passages.
✔ Make sure the new oil meets API SN/CF approval
✔ Check the old oil level (should be between MIN and MAX on the dipstick)
✔ Prepare a new oil filter (part number depends on the model)
✔ Heat the engine to operating temperature (50–60°C) for complete drainage
✔ Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug (torque 30–35 Nm)
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Instructions for changing NS-3 oil: step-by-step algorithm
Changing the engine oil Nissan using NS-3 does not require special skills, but it is important to follow the sequence of actions. Tools needed:
- 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug)
- 🔧 Oil filter puller
- 🔧 Funnel and container for working out (minimum 5 l)
- 🔧 New oil filter (part number depends on the model, for example,
15208-9M00Afor Qashqai J11) - 🔧 Torque wrench (optional but recommended)
Step by step process:
- Warm up the engine to operating temperature (3–5 minutes at idle). This will ensure that the used oil is completely drained.
- Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. An alternative is a jack with stops (but this is less safe).
- Drain the old oil:
- Unscrew the drain plug (14 mm wrench).
- Wait until it drains completely (10–15 minutes).
- Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (part no.
11026-01M02).
- Replace the oil filter:
- Remove the old filter with a puller.
- Apply a thin layer of new oil to the O-ring of the new filter.
- Tighten the filter by hand (do not use a tool!).
- Fill with new oil:
- Add 4.5–4.8 liters of NS-3 oil through the filler neck (the exact volume is indicated in the manual).
- Close the lid and run the engine for 1-2 minutes.
- Check the level with a dipstick and add if necessary.
After replacement, reset the maintenance counter (if your model has one). To do this:
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Press and hold the trip mileage reset button (usually located on the dashboard).
- After 5–10 seconds the display will show
OIL RESET COMPLETE.
The use of flushing oil when replacing NS-3 is not necessary if you have previously filled in the original product. Flushing is only necessary when switching from another brand or type of oil (for example, from mineral to synthetic).
Common mistakes when using NS-3 oil and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that reduce engine life. Let's consider typical cases:
- Oil overflow. Level above mark
MAXon the dipstick leads to increased pressure in the system and the risk of squeezing out the seals. Particularly dangerous for turbocharged engines (for example,1.6 DIG-Tin Juke). - Ignoring replacement intervals. The manufacturer recommends replacement every 15 thousand km or once a year, but in real conditions (city traffic jams, dusty roads) it is better to reduce the interval to 10 thousand km.
- Mixing with other oils. Adding oil of a different brand or viscosity (e.g.
5W-40) upsets the additive balance and can lead to sludge formation. - Use of uncertified filters. Cheap filters (for example, without a return valve) do not retain oil in the system after the engine is stopped, which leads to oil starvation upon startup.
Another common mistake is incorrect selection of oil for hybrid versions (For example, Nissan X-Trail Hybrid). They require oil with approval NS-4, and not NS-3, since hybrid systems place increased demands on oil stability during frequent engine starts/stops.
If after changing the oil you notice increased consumption (more than 500 ml per 1,000 km), check:
- 🔍 Tightness of the drain plug and filter.
- 🔍 Condition of crankshaft and camshaft seals.
- 🔍 System pressure (standard for Nissan: 2–4 bar at idle).
FAQ: answers to popular questions about Nissan NS-3 oil
Can NS-3 be used in engines older than 2010?
Oil NS-3 developed for engines manufactured after 2016. For 2010-2015 models (eg. Nissan Teana J32 or Murano Z51) it is better to use oil with approval NS-2 (viscosity 5W-40). An exception is if your car’s manual specifically states permission to use 5W-30.
How is NS-3 different from NS-2 and NS-4?
Main differences:
- NS-2: viscosity
5W-40, for engines up to 2016, higher ash content. - NS-3: viscosity
5W-30, low SAPS content, for modern turbocharged and diesel engines. - NS-4: viscosity
0W-20or0W-30, for hybrid and high-performance engines (for example, Nissan Ariya).
Replacing NS-2 with NS-3 is possible only after flushing the system, since these oils have different additive packages.
How much NS-3 oil is required for a complete change?
Volume depends on model:
- Nissan Qashqai J11 (1.2/1.6): 4.5–4.8 l
- Nissan X-Trail T32 (2.0/2.5): 5.0–5.3 l
- Nissan Navara NP300 (2.3 dCi): 6.0–6.5 l
Always buy oil with a reserve (for example, 5 liters for Qashqai), since some remains in the filter and oil lines.
Can NS-3 be poured into a gearbox?
No, NS-3 - This is exclusively motor oil. For gearboxes Nissan (for example, variator JF017E in Qashqai) requires specialized fluid NS-2 or NS-3 CVT Fluid (article KLE52-00004). Using engine oil in the transmission will cause it to fail.
Where to buy original NS-3 oil at the best price?
The most reliable options:
- 🏢 Official Nissan dealers - guarantee of an original product, but the price is above average.
- 🛒 Certified online stores (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - often hold promotions.
- 🔧 Large network car services (For example, Fit-Service) - sometimes they sell oil in bulk at a discount.
Avoid shopping on Avito or Yule - high risk of running into a fake. Always check certificates with the seller.