Nissan Murano Z51 (51 body): everything you need to know before buying

Crossover Nissan Murano in the back Z51 (known as the "51 body") became a true legend among Japanese SUVs in the early 2000s. This model, released in 2003, combined bold design, a spacious interior and powerful engines, which made it popular both in its home market and abroad. Today Murano Z51 - This is a popular option on the secondary market, but before purchasing it is important to understand its features, typical problems and operating nuances.

In this article we will look in detail technical specifications model, compare it with its main competitors, analyze the most vulnerable nodes that require attention during inspection, and we will give practical recommendations on selection and maintenance. We will pay special attention to engines VQ35DE And VQ25DE, gearbox RE5R05A, as well as suspension and electrical equipment - those components that most often become a source of headaches for owners.

Specifications Nissan Murano Z51 (2003–2007)

Model Murano Z51 It was offered with two gasoline engines, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, as well as an automatic transmission. The basic parameters depended on the market: different modifications were available for North America and Japan.

Main power units:

• 🔥 VQ35DE 3.5 l - 245 hp (USA) / 234 hp (Japan), torque 330 Nm. The most common and reliable option.
• 🔥 VQ25DE 2.5 l - 178 hp, 233 Nm. A rare engine, installed mainly on Japanese versions.

The transmission is represented by a 5-speed automatic transmission RE5R05A, which, with proper maintenance, can travel 300+ thousand km, but is sensitive to overheating and oil quality. Suspension - independent McPherson front and multi-link rear, which provides good handling, but requires careful attention to the silent blocks and racks.

Parameter	VQ35DE 3.5 l	VQ25DE 2.5 l
Power	245 hp (USA) / 234 hp (Japan)	178 hp
Torque	330 Nm	233 Nm
Fuel consumption (city)	12–14 l/100 km	10–12 l/100 km
Transmission	5-st. Automatic transmission RE5R05A
Drive	All-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD)

Dimensions Murano Z51 are 4780x1885x1690 mm with a wheelbase of 2775 mm. Ground clearance is 180 mm, which is enough for city use, but not designed for serious off-road use. The trunk volume is 450 liters, and with the rear seats folded down - up to 1600 liters.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite its strong reputation, Nissan Murano Z51 has a number of “diseases” that every potential buyer should know about. Many problems are related to age of the car and quality of service, but some are constructive.

Main vulnerabilities:

• ⚙️ CVT (CVT) - although Murano Z51 equipped with a classic “automatic”, in later models Nissan CVTs have appeared, which are often confused. B Z51 worth it reliable RE5R05A, but its resource depends on timely oil changes (every 60 thousand km).
• ⚡ Electronics - problems with the engine control unit (ECU), oxygen sensors and ignition system. Errors are common P0300 (misfire) and P0420 (low catalyst efficiency).
• 🛠️ Suspension — wear of silent blocks of front levers, wheel bearings and shock absorbers. After 150 thousand km, ball joints often need to be replaced.
• 🔥 Engine VQ35DE — with a mileage of 200 thousand km, wear of the oil scraper rings is possible, which leads to increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km). There is also a problem with phase shifters (error P0011).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, be sure to check the compression in the cylinders. Normal values for VQ35DE — 12–14 bar, the spread between the cylinders should not exceed 1 bar. If the compression is below 10 bar, the engine requires major overhaul.

Another common problem is body corrosion, especially in the rear arches and on the sills. This applies to vehicles operated in regions with abundant use of reagents. It is also worth paying attention to the condition radiators (main and conditioner), which become clogged over time and require washing or replacement.

What should I do if my Murano Z51 won't start?

If the car does not start, check:

1. Battery charge (voltage must be at least 12.4 V).

2. Fuses in the block under the hood (especially ECU And Fuel Pump).

3. Fuel pump (when the ignition is turned on, a characteristic hum should be heard in the gas tank).

4. Spark on the spark plugs (if there is no spark, the problem may be in the ignition coils or ECU).

If the engine turns over but does not catch, check the fuel pressure (standard for VQ35DE - 3.5 bar).

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In my class Nissan Murano Z51 competed with such models as Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Edge And Hyundai Santa Fe. Each of them had its pros and cons, but Murano stood out for its design, dynamics and spacious interior.

Main differences:

• 🚗 Toyota Highlander (XU20) - more reliable, but less dynamic. Engine 2AZ-FE easier to repair, but weaker VQ35DE. The suspension is softer, but less sporty.
• 🚗 Honda Pilot (1G) - more spacious, but with higher fuel consumption. Engine J35A reliable, but the box 5AT inferior RE5R05A by smoothness.
• 🚗 Ford Edge (1G) - more modern interior, but less reliable electronics. Engine Duratec 3.5 powerful, but "gluttonous".

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z51	Toyota Highlander XU20	Honda Pilot 1G
Engine	VQ35DE 3.5 l, 245 hp	2AZ-FE 2.4 l, 155 hp / 1MZ-FE 3.0 l, 220 hp	J35A 3.5 l, 244 hp
Fuel consumption (combined)	11–13 l/100 km	9–11 l/100 km	12–14 l/100 km
Automatic transmission reliability	High (during maintenance)	Very high	Medium (problems with solenoids)
Secondary market price (2026)	600–1200 thousand rubles.	700–1300 thousand rubles.	500–1000 thousand rubles.

If you need dynamic crossover with a bright design, Murano Z51 - an excellent choice. For those who appreciate reliability and ease of repair, better take a closer look Toyota Highlander. And if it's important space and comfort, Honda Pilot may be preferable.

How to choose a Nissan Murano Z51 on the secondary market?

Buying used Murano Z51 requires a careful approach. Here are the key points to pay attention to:

1. Mileage and service history — the optimal mileage for purchase is up to 150 thousand km. If the car has traveled more than 200 thousand km, be prepared to replace consumables (belts, rollers, shock absorbers) and possible engine repairs.
2. Engine condition — check the oil level and color (there should be no emulsion or metal shavings). Please note timing chains — their service life is about 200 thousand km, but when stretched they begin to rattle when cold.
3. Gearbox — a test drive should include checking the smoothness of switching, the absence of jerks and delays. If a shock is felt when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, this may indicate wear on the solenoids or valve body.
4. Body and interior — inspect the car on a lift for corrosion (especially the rear arches and sills). In the cabin, check the operation of all electrical appliances, including climate control and audio system Bose.

Checking compression in cylinders|Diagnostics of automatic transmission for errors|Particular attention to silent blocks and balls|Electronics test (including ABS and ESP sensors)|Checking the condition of brake discs and pads-->

It would be a good idea to check your car through the services. CarVertical or Autocode - this will help you find out the actual mileage and accident history. It is also recommended to carry out computer diagnostics, since many problems (for example, with phase shifters or catalyst) are not always apparent during routine examination.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide the car for diagnostics on a lift or cannot show the service book, this is a reason to be wary. Often such machines have hidden problems, e.g. engine overheating (which leads to cylinder head deformation) or automatic transmission malfunction after unqualified repairs.

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know?

Regular maintenance is the key to long service life Nissan Murano Z51. Here are the main recommendations:

• 🛢️ Changing the engine oil — every 7–10 thousand km (use synthetics 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN). For VQ35DE the quality of the oil is critical - cheap analogues lead to coking of rings.
• ⚙️ Changing the automatic transmission oil — every 60 thousand km (partial replacement) or 100 thousand km (complete replacement with flushing). Use only original fluid Nissan Matic-J.
• 🔧 Replacing belts and rollers - change the alternator belt and power steering every 50 thousand km, timing chains - at a mileage of 180-200 thousand km (or when extraneous noise appears).
• 🔥 Cleaning the throttle valve - every 30 thousand km. A dirty throttle body results in unstable idle speed.

Pay special attention cooling system. Antifreeze in Murano Z51 It is recommended to change every 2 years or 40 thousand km. Use only green antifreeze based on ethylene glycol (for example, Nissan Coolant L248). Also check the status radiator And pumps — their failure can lead to engine overheating.

If errors appear on the dashboard (for example, P0300, P0420) do not delay diagnosis. Many problems such as misfire or catalyst malfunction, over time lead to more serious damage (for example, destruction of piston rings or failure of lambda probes).

Tuning and modernization

Nissan Murano Z51 - an excellent basis for tuning, but the approach here must be balanced. Most popular destinations:

• 🏁 Engine — chip tuning VQ35DE allows you to increase power to 270–280 hp, but requires installation exhaust manifold 4-2-1, cold intake and flashing ECU. Without support for the fuel system and cooling, such tuning reduces engine life.
• 🎨 Exterior - popular body kits in the style Nismo, headlight tinting, installation of LED DRLs and radiator grille from Infiniti FX (they fit the fastenings).
• 🔊 Audio system - standard Bose not bad, but many owners install subwoofers and amplifiers, and also replace the head unit with Android Auto-compatible.
• 🛞 Suspension and brakes - to improve handling, install racks KYB or Bilstein, as well as brake discs and pads from Brembo (suitable from Nissan 350Z).

When tuning it is important not to overload the transmission. Box RE5R05A is designed for standard power, and its modernization (for example, installing a reinforced torque converter) will be expensive. It's also worth remembering that Murano Z51 - this is still a crossover, not a sports car, so deep tuning of the suspension can worsen comfort.

Is it possible to install a turbine on the VQ35DE?

Theoretically yes, but this requires serious improvements:

1. Installation of a turbo kit (for example, from Stillen or GReddy).

2. Replacing pistons and connecting rods with forged ones (standard ones cannot withstand high boost).

3. Modernization of the cooling and fuel supply system.

4. Setup ECU under turbo

Without these modifications, the engine will quickly fail. The cost of such a project often exceeds the market price of the car itself.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Reviews about Nissan Murano Z51 vary, but most owners note the following advantages:

• ✅ Dynamics and handling - engine VQ35DE provides confident acceleration, and the suspension is well balanced.
• ✅ Spacious salon — comfortable seats, large trunk and good sound insulation.
• ✅ Reliability with proper maintenance — many copies travel 300+ thousand km without major repairs.

Among the disadvantages most often mentioned are:

• ❌ High fuel consumption - in the city VQ35DE consumes 14–16 l/100 km.
• ❌ Expensive service - original spare parts (for example, racks or phase shifters) are not cheap.
• ❌ Electronics problems — sensors and control units often fail.

Many owners note that Murano Z51 — This is a car “for everyone.” It's not as practical as Toyota RAV4, and not as reliable as Lexus RX, but has charisma and driving qualities that competitors do not have.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Which engine is more reliable: VQ35DE or VQ25DE?

VQ35DE 3.5 l considered more reliable and durable, especially when compared with VQ25DE. The latter often suffers from maslozhora and less resistant to overheating. However VQ25DE more economical and easier to repair (for example, replacing timing chains is cheaper). If you need a reliable option for long-term use, choose VQ35DE.

How long does the RE5R05A automatic transmission last?

Box resource RE5R05A at proper maintenance (regular oil changes, no overheating) is 300–400 thousand km. However, if you ignore changing the oil or operate the car in difficult conditions (towing, off-road), the gearbox may fail after 150–200 thousand km. The first signs of a malfunction: jerks when switching, delays, oil leakage.

Can the Murano Z51 be driven off-road?

Nissan Murano Z51 - this is urban crossover, not an SUV. The ground clearance of 180 mm and the lack of differential locks do not allow you to overcome serious off-road conditions. The maximum it is capable of is dirt roads or light snow. For trips through mud or deep snow, it is better to choose Nissan Pathfinder or X-Trail.

What kind of oil to pour into the VQ35DE engine?

For VQ35DE We recommend synthetic oil with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40, corresponding to the standard API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Optimal options:

• Nissan Motor Oil 5W-30 (original)
• Mobil 1 5W-30
• Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30

Do not use oil with a viscosity 10W-40 or semi-synthetics - this can lead to accelerated wear engine.

Should you buy a Murano Z51 today?

If you need stylish, dynamic crossover with a spacious interior and you are ready to invest in its maintenance - yes. Murano Z51 Suitable for urban use and rare trips to nature. However, if you care minimum fuel consumption or cheap repairs, it is better to consider alternatives (for example, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V).

Optimal price for Murano Z51 in good condition (mileage up to 150 thousand km, without accidents) - 800–1200 thousand rubles. (2026). Cars cheaper than 600 thousand rubles. most often require serious investments.