Nissan Murano 1st generation (Z50): everything you need to know before buying

Nissan Murano first generation (internal designation Z50) became a revolutionary crossover, combining the comfort of a sedan with the cross-country ability of an SUV. Having debuted in 2002 at the North American International Auto Show, the model came to the Russian market in 2003 and was produced until 2007. During this time, the crossover managed to win the love of car enthusiasts thanks to its unusual design, spacious interior and powerful V6 engine.

Today Murano Z50 is a popular choice on the secondary market, but purchasing such a car requires careful consideration. In this article we will look at technical features, typical problems after 200,000 km, nuances of service and we will give practical advice on choosing. We will pay special attention gearbox RE0F10A, suspension and electrical equipment - the most vulnerable parts of the model.

Specifications Nissan Murano Z50 (2003–2007)

Under the hood Murano the first generation had a single engine installed - naturally aspirated VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters. This motor became legendary due to its reliability and safety margin, but it also had its weaknesses. Let's look at the key parameters:

• 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE (V6, 3.5 l, 24 valves)
• 💨 Power: 245 hp (180 kW) at 5800 rpm
• 🔄 Torque: 333 Nm at 2800–4800 rpm
• ⛽ Fuel: AI-95 (recommended), consumption 12–14 l/100 km
• 🔗 Transmission: 4-speed automatic RE0F10A or RE0F06B (all-wheel drive)
• 🚗 Drive: Full (All-Mode 4WD) or Front (FWD)
• 📏 Dimensions: 4785×1885×1725 mm, wheelbase 2705 mm

Feature Murano Z50 became an all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4WD, which automatically distributed torque between the axles (from 100% to the front to 50:50). In manual mode, it was possible to lock the clutch for off-road use, but the model was still positioned as an “asphalt” crossover.

It's important to note that Murano built on a platform Nissan FF-L, common with Altima And Maxima. This resulted in soft suspension tuning and a comfortable ride, but affected handling at high speeds. Owners often note tendency to roll when cornering and the steering wheel is “wobbly”.

Weaknesses and typical problems of the Nissan Murano Z50

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Murano The first generation has a number of “diseases” that appear after 150–200 thousand kilometers. The main problems are related to gearbox, suspension And electronics. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. Gearbox RE0F10A/RE0F06B

Four-speed automatic Jatco — the most vulnerable point of the model. Typical symptoms of malfunctions:

• ⚠️ Jerks when switching (especially when cold)
• 🛑 Delays when switching from 1st to 2nd gear
• 🔥 Oil overheating (leads to destruction of clutches)
• 💥 Loss of traction (often associated with valve body wear)

The cause of most problems is untimely oil change (recommended interval is every 60,000 km). After 200,000 km it is often required major renovation with replacement of solenoids, clutches and torque converter. The cost of such repairs can reach 150–200 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If you feel the box “kick” when driving at a speed of 60–80 km/h, this is the first sign of wear on the direct clutches. Ignoring the problem will lead to complete failure of the automatic transmission.

2. Suspension and steering

Soft suspension Murano provides comfort, but requires regular maintenance. The most common breakdowns:

• 🔩 Wheel bearings (failure every 80–100 thousand km)
• 🛞 Front arm silent blocks (crack after 120 thousand km)
• 🔧 Shock absorbers (leak after 100 thousand km, originals last longer)
• 🚗 Steering rack (play appears and requires adjustment or replacement)

Particular attention should be paid rear springs - they often sag, which leads to wheel alignment problems. They also often break stabilizer strut supports (sign: knocking on bumps).

Automatic transmission oil change log (must be at least 60 thousand km)|

Condition of silent blocks and ball joints|

All-wheel drive system performance (check clutch locking)|

No play in the steering rack|

Condition of brake discs and calipers (often “stick”) |

3. VQ35DE engine: resource and problems

Engine VQ35DE is famous for its resource (with proper maintenance, the mileage to the capital can reach 400–500 thousand km), but it also has weaknesses:

• 🔥 Maslozhor (after 200 thousand km, oil consumption can reach 1 liter per 1000 km)
• 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators (requires replacement or flushing)
• 🛢️ Valve cover seals leaking (especially relevant for engines after 2005)
• 🔧 Timing chain wear (recommended replacement every 150–200 thousand km)

Critical issue - throttle valve contamination, which leads to floating speeds and dips during acceleration. This can be solved by cleaning or replacing the damper. Also, after 250 thousand km, replacement is often required ignition coils And candles (the original ones last longer than their analogues).

Owner reviews: pros and cons of the Nissan Murano Z50

On forums and in reviews, owners Murano the first generation is distinguished by the following advantages:

• ✅ Spacious salon with comfortable chairs (especially for tall people)
• ✅ Powerful and reliable engine (with timely maintenance)
• ✅ Good sound insulation (by 2000s standards)
• ✅ High ground clearance (200 mm) and all-wheel drive for snow
• ✅ Ease of repair (many spare parts are interchangeable with Nissan Teana And Maxima)

Among shortcomings most often mentioned:

• ❌ High fuel consumption (14–16 l/100 km in the city)
• ❌ Expensive automatic transmission repair (especially after 200 thousand km)
• ❌ Weak paint coating (prone to chipping and corrosion)
• ❌ Unreliable electronics (sensors and control units often fail)
• ❌ Heavy steering at low speeds (especially in versions without amplifier)

Interestingly, many owners note unusual design both a plus and a minus: on the one hand, the car stands out on the road, on the other, some body parts (for example, taillights) are difficult to find on sale.

How to choose a Nissan Murano Z50 on the secondary market: checklist

Upon purchase Murano first generation there are a few key points to pay attention to. Firstly, mileage: the best option is 120–180 thousand km. Cars with 250 thousand km mileage often require serious investments in suspension and gearbox.

Secondly, equipment. The most popular versions:

• 🚗 SE — basic, but with all-wheel drive and leather interior
• 💎 SL — adds sunroof, xenon and premium audio system
• 🏆 LE — top-end, with navigation and heated all seats

Be sure to check:

1. Body condition — Murano prone to corrosion in arches, sills and rear door.
2. All-wheel drive operation — turn on the clutch lock (button 4WD Lock) and check for vibrations.
3. Electronics - ABS sensors, airbags and a comfort unit often fail.
4. Brake system — calipers and brake hoses require replacement every 100 thousand km.

Cost Murano Z50 on the secondary market in 2026:

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars imported from the USA. They often have a "twisted" mileage and can be damaged in an accident (check the VIN history through Carfax or Autocheck).

Maintenance and repair: cost and nuances

Contents Nissan Murano Z50 is cheaper than many European crossovers, but more expensive than Japanese classmates (for example, Toyota RAV4). Average prices for consumables and work (in Moscow, 2026):

• 🔧 Changing the automatic transmission oil (6–8 l Nissan Matic-J) — 8,000–12,000 rub.
• 🛢️ Changing the engine oil (5W-30, 5 l) - 3,500–5,000 rub.
• 🔩 Replacing the wheel bearing — 10,000–15,000 rub. (for one side)
• 🛞 Replacing shock absorbers (front/rear) - 20,000–30,000 rub. (set)
• 🔥 Automatic transmission overhaul — 150,000–250,000 rub.

Top maintenance tip - do not skimp on consumables. For example, using cheap oil in an automatic transmission will lead to its premature failure. Also recommended:

• 🔧 Change air and cabin filters every 15,000 km.
• 🛢️Rinse radiator every 2 years (clogs with fluff and dirt).
• 🔋 Check battery before winter (a weak battery leads to problems with electronics).

For repairs, it is better to contact specialists familiar with Nissan. For example, replacing a timing chain requires a special tool to hold the camshafts. Self-repair without experience can lead to chain jump and the meeting of valves with pistons.

Tuning and modernization of Nissan Murano Z50

Murano The first generation is a popular base for tuning, but the approach here must be balanced. Let's consider the main directions of modernization:

1. Engine and transmission

Stock VQ35DE has a safety margin, but to increase power the following is often installed:

• 🔥 Cold intake (For example, K&N or Injen) - adds 5–10 hp.
• 💨 Exhaust system 2.5" (without catalyst) - improves sound and dynamics.
• 🔧 ECU firmware (For example, UpRev) - adds up to 20 hp, but requires high-quality gasoline.

For all-wheel drive versions, replacement is relevant differential to limited sliding (LSD), which improves handling. However boosting the engine over 300 hp will require strengthening the automatic transmission, which is very expensive.

2. Suspension and brakes

Standard suspension Murano soft, but unsportsmanlike. Popular improvements:

• 🛞 Springs Eibach Pro-Kit (lowering by 30–40 mm)
• 🔧 Shock absorbers Bilstein B6 (better than the original ones)
• 🚗 Brake discs Brembo (perforated) and pads Ferodo

1. Заглушите двигатель.
2. Переведите селектор в положение "N".
3. Нажмите кнопку 4WD Lock — должна загореться лампочка на приборной панели.
4. Если лампочка не горит или мигает, требуется диагностика.