Owners Nissan Murano Z51 (2003–2007 model years) are often faced with the question: how much oil to pour into the engine when replacing? An error in the volume or choice of lubricant can lead to serious consequences - from increased wear of parts to oil starvation and motor jamming. In this article we will analyze exact oil volumes for all modifications Murano Z51, including popular engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and VQ25DD (2.5 l), as well as the nuances of choosing oil by viscosity and standards.

Feature Murano Z51 — sensitivity to oil quality and frequency of oil changes. The manufacturer recommends updating the lubricant every 10–15 thousand km (or once a year), but in Russian conditions, taking into account climate and fuel, it is better to reduce the interval to 8–10 thousand km. Moreover, the volume of oil depends not only on the engine type, but also on the replacement method: with or without flushing the system, with or without replacing the oil filter. Below are detailed data and practical advice.

Murano Z51 engine specifications

Ruler Nissan Murano Z51 was equipped with two main types of engines, each of which requires an individual approach to maintenance:

  • 🔧 VQ35DE - 3.5-liter V6 (245–265 hp), the most common option. Oil volume with filter: 4.8–5.0 l.
  • 🔧 VQ25DD — 2.5-liter V6 (165–180 hp), less common. Oil volume with filter: 4.3–4.5 l.

Both motors belong to the series VQ, known for its reliability, but demanding on the quality of the oil. For example, VQ35DE prone to soot formation when using low-quality lubricants, and VQ25DD may suffer from seal leaks in case of untimely replacement. It is also important to consider that oil volume may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and modification (for example, for the US or Japanese markets).

The manufacturer recommends using oil approved Nissan Genuine Oil 5W-30 or analogues with certification API SL/SM And ILSAC GF-4. However, for Russian conditions, experts advise paying attention to viscosity 0W-30 or 5W-40 depending on the climate.

📊 What engine is installed in your Murano Z51?
  • VQ35DE (3.5 l)
  • VQ25DD (2.5 l)
  • Other
  • I don't know

Table: oil volume for Murano Z51 by engine type

Engine model Oil volume (without filter) Oil volume (with filter) Recommended viscosity Approvals/standards
VQ35DE (3.5 L, 2003–2007) 4.5 l 4.8–5.0 l 5W-30, 0W-30 API SL/SM, ILSAC GF-4
VQ25DD (2.5 L, 2005–2007) 4.0 l 4.3–4.5 l 5W-30, 5W-40 API SM, ILSAC GF-4
VQ35DE (modifications for Japan) 4.6 l 4.9 l 0W-20, 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5

⚠️ Attention: The oil volume is indicated for complete replacement taking into account the drainage of waste through the sump plug. If you use a vacuum pump to remove oil from the dipstick, there may be up to 0.3–0.5 l old grease. In this case, the volume of new oil should be reduced by this amount.

Also note oil filter: original filter Nissan 15208-65F0E (or analogues Mann, Fram, Bosch) has a volume of ~0.3 l. When replacing the filter, this amount of oil is added to the total volume.

What oil to fill in Murano Z51: recommendations and errors

Choosing oil for Murano Z51 - a task no less important than the correct volume. The manufacturer indicates in the manual Nissan Genuine Oil 5W-30, but in practice, owners often face a dilemma: synthetics, semi-synthetics or mineral water? Here are the key recommendations:

  • 🛢️ For VQ35DE: optimal semi-synthetic 5W-30 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30). Allowed in hot climates 5W-40 (For example, Castrol Edge 5W-40).
  • ❄️ For cold regions: 0W-30 or 0W-40 (For example, Motul 8100 X-Clean 0W-30) for easier starting in winter.
  • ⚠️ What to avoid: oils with viscosity 10W-40 and higher - they impair pumpability at low temperatures and increase the load on the oil pump.

A critical mistake many owners make is using oils with API SJ approval or older. For VQ35DE, this is fraught with accelerated wear of the timing chain and hydraulic compensators. It is also not recommended to mix oils of different manufacturers or types (for example, synthetics with mineral water), even if the viscosity is the same.

If you are in doubt about your choice, focus on the following brands, verified by the owners Murano Z51:

  • 🏆 Nissan Genuine Oil 5W-30 - original, but expensive.
  • 🥈 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — optimal price/quality balance.
  • 🥉 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 - for high loads.
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Before purchasing oil, check its authenticity! Counterfeit oils (especially popular brands) may contain additives that destroy VQ35DE seals. Buy only from authorized dealers or trusted sellers.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Murano Z51

Changing the oil in Murano Z51 - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. The main thing is to maintain consistency and avoid mistakes. Here are the detailed instructions:

  1. Preparation: warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-10 minutes idling) so that the oil becomes less viscous and drains better.
  2. Exhaust drain: place a container with a volume of at least 6 liters under the drain plug (located on the tray), unscrew the plug with a 14 mm wrench. Be careful - the oil is hot!
  3. Filter replacement: Unscrew the oil filter (you can use a special puller or pierce it with a screwdriver). Before installing a new filter, lubricate its rubber ring with fresh oil.
  4. Filling with new oil: pour ~4.5 liters of oil through the neck on the valve cover (for VQ35DE), then add to the mark MAX on the dipstick. Start the engine for 1-2 minutes, turn it off and check the level again.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil in Murano Z51 Be sure to reset the maintenance counter! To do this:

  1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
  2. Press and hold the trip mileage reset button (on the dashboard) for 5 seconds.
  3. When the message appears on the screen OIL, release the button.

☑️ What to check after changing the oil

Done: 0 / 4

Common problems and their solutions

Even with proper oil changes, owners Murano Z51 may encounter problems. Let's look at typical situations and ways to eliminate them:

  • 🔴 The oil pressure light is on: most often caused insufficient oil level or sensor malfunction. Check the level with a dipstick and inspect the sensor (located next to the oil filter).
  • 🟠 Increased oil consumption: for VQ35DE the norm is considered to be consumption up to 1 liter per 10 thousand km. If more, check valve cover seals And valve stem seals.
  • 🟢 Hydraulic compensator noise: points to contaminated oil or its low quality. The solution is to flush the system and replace the oil with a higher quality one (for example, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200).

If after changing the oil the engine begins to run louder or extraneous sounds appear, possible reasons:

  • Insufficient oil level (add to mark MAX).
  • Air entering the system (start the engine, run for 5 minutes, then check the level).
  • Poor quality oil filter (replace with original Nissan 15208-65F0E).
What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is above the MAX mark on the dipstick, drain the excess through the drain plug or pump it out with a syringe through the neck. Overfilling causes the oil to foam and damage the seals.

How to check the oil level correctly

It would seem that what could be simpler than checking the oil level? However, even here many owners Murano Z51 make mistakes that lead to false conclusions. Here correct algorithm:

  1. Place the car on flat surface (even a 5° slope will distort the readings).
  2. Turn off the engine and wait 10–15 minutes — the oil should drain into the pan.
  3. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth and insert it back until it stops.
  4. Take the dipstick out again and check the level: it should be between the marks MIN And MAX.

⚠️ Attention: On the dipstick Murano Z51 there are two pairs of marks: HOT (hot engine) and COLD (cold). Always focus on HOT, since testing on a cold engine will give an inaccurate result.

If the oil level is close to MIN, top up 100–200 ml and check again. Use only the oil that is already in the engine! Mixing different types of oils may cause precipitation and clogging of oil channels.

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Check the oil level at least once every 1000 km, especially if the car is operated in difficult conditions (city traffic jams, off-road).

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much oil should I put in a Murano Z51 with a VQ35DE engine when replacing with a filter?

For VQ35DE (3.5 l) oil volume with filter replacement is 4.8–5.0 l. The exact amount depends on how completely the waste is drained. It is recommended to fill 4.5 liters first, then top up to the mark MAX on the dipstick.

Can I use 5W-40 oil instead of 5W-30 in Murano Z51?

Yes, but only in hot climates or under heavy loads (for example, towing a trailer). For most regions of Russia 5W-30 preferable as it provides better pumpability in winter. If you decide to upgrade to 5W-40, make sure it meets the standard API SM or higher.

How often should you change the oil in your Murano Z51 when driving around town?

In urban operating conditions (frequent traffic jams, short trips), the oil change interval should be reduced to 7–8 thousand km. The fact is that when driving this way, the engine often runs at idle or low speed, which leads to accelerated oil oxidation.

Which oil filters are suitable for the Murano Z51?

Original filter - Nissan 15208-65F0E. Among the analogues that have proven themselves well:

  • Mann W 712/94
  • Fram PH7317
  • Bosch 0 451 103 336

Avoid cheap filters from unknown brands - they may not withstand the pressure in the system.

What to do if the check light comes on after changing the oil?

If the lamp comes on Check Engine after changing the oil, possible reasons:

  • The oil filter is incorrectly installed or damaged (check for leaks).
  • Insufficient oil level (add to normal level).
  • Air entering the system (start the engine, run for 5 minutes, then check the level).
  • Reset the error: Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes or use a diagnostic scanner.

If the lamp does not go out, contact us for diagnostics!