Nissan Murano with engine 3.5 VQ35DE is one of the most popular crossovers in the Japanese brand’s lineup, combining power, comfort and reliability. This engine, known for its endurance and dynamics, was installed on models from 2003 to 2015 (depending on the market). However, even such a time-tested unit has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when purchasing and operating.

In this article we will look at technical specifications VQ35DE engine, its strengths and weaknesses, typical faults, and also give recommendations on maintenance and tuning. If you are the owner Murano or are planning to purchase it - this information will help you avoid costly mistakes and extend the life of your car.

Technical characteristics of the VQ35DE engine in the Nissan Murano

Engine VQ35DE belongs to the legendary series VQ from Nissan, which is famous for its reliability and maintainability. This 3.5-liter V6 unit was installed on Murano first (Z50) and second (Z51) generations, as well as many other brand models, including Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35 And Pathfinder.

Main parameters of the motor:

  • 🔧 Engine type: petrol, V6, 4 valves per cylinder (DOHC)
  • 📏 Volume: 3498 cm³
  • ⚙️ Compression Ratio: 10.3:1 (in later versions - 10.6:1)
  • ⚡ Power: from 234 to 265 hp (depending on year and market)
  • 🔄 Torque: 328–336 Nm at 2800–4800 rpm
  • ⛽ Fuel: AI-95 (recommended), AI-92 is allowed
  • 🔥 Power system: distributed injection (MPI)

Feature VQ35DE is an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron liners, which ensures lightness and strength. The engine is equipped with a variable valve timing system CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) on the intake shaft, which improves dynamics and efficiency.

Parameter Value (Z50, 2003–2007) Value (Z51, 2008–2015)
Power, hp 234 265
Torque, Nm 328 336
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km 13.5–14.2 12.8–13.5
Resource before major overhaul, km 300 000–350 000 350 000–400 000

Important: VQ35DE engines for the American and Japanese markets often have increased power (up to 265 hp) due to different ECU firmware and a modified exhaust system. In Russian versions Murano power is usually reduced to 234–245 hp.

Strengths and weaknesses of the VQ35DE: what to expect from the engine?

Engine VQ35DE It is deservedly considered one of the most reliable in its class, but it also has vulnerabilities. Let's consider the pros and cons of the unit based on owner reviews and expert tests.

Benefits:

  • ✅ High resource: with proper maintenance, the engine easily covers 350–400 thousand km without capital.
  • ✅ Maintainability: its simple design (compared to modern turbo engines) allows it to be repaired in most service stations.
  • ✅ Dynamics: even in the basic version Murano accelerates to 100 km/h in 8–9 seconds.
  • ✅ Low vibration: The V6 configuration provides smooth operation at all revs.

Disadvantages and typical problems:

  • ⚠️ Maslozhor: after 150–200 thousand km, many owners are faced with increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km).
  • ⚠️ Seal leaks: The front and rear crankshaft oil seals are a weak point, especially with a mileage of 200 thousand km.
  • ⚠️ Timing chain problems: Chain stretching and tensioner wear can lead to valves jumping and meeting the pistons.
  • ⚠️ Ignition coils: often fail after 100 thousand km, causing tripping and errors P0300–P0306.
⚠️ Attention: if the engine starts to "tune up" when cold or is on fire Check Engine with an error P0300 (multi-cylinder misfire), in 80% of cases the coils or spark plugs are to blame. Do not delay diagnostics - long-term driving with misfires leads to damage to the catalyst!
📊 What is the mileage of your Nissan Murano with VQ35DE?
  • Less than 100 thousand km
  • 100–200 thousand km
  • 200–300 thousand km
  • More than 300 thousand km

Typical VQ35DE faults: diagnosis and repair

Even the most reliable engine requires attention over time. Let's look at the most common breakdowns VQ35DE and ways to eliminate them.

1. Increased oil consumption (oil waste)

After 150–200 thousand km, many owners Murano notice that the engine begins to “eat” oil - up to 500–1000 ml per 1000 km. Reasons:

  • 🔹 Wear of oil scraper rings (most common reason).
  • 🔹 Coking of piston rings due to poor quality oil or long trips over short distances.
  • 🔹 Leaking through valve seals (oil enters the combustion chambers).

Solutions:

  • 🛠️ Decarbonization (for example, by means LAVR ML202) can help at an early stage.
  • 🛠️ Replacing oil scraper rings - a radical solution, requires disassembling the engine.
  • 🛠️ Adding oil (temporary measure) - use 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN.
⚠️ Attention: if the oil consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1000 km, and blue smoke comes from the exhaust pipe, this is a sign of critical wear of the CPG. In this case, a major overhaul is required.

2. Timing chain problems

Timing chain drive in VQ35DE designed for 150–200 thousand km, but often fails earlier due to:

  • 🔹 Chain stretches (characteristic “rustle” when cold).
  • 🔹 Wear of tensioners and dampers.
  • 🔹 Jump chain (can lead to valves meeting pistons and expensive repairs).

Signs of malfunction:

  • 🔊 Noise from under the valve cover on a cold engine.
  • 🔧 Bugs P0011, P0021 (displacement of valve timing).
  • 🚗 Jerks and loss of power.

The solution is to replace the timing chain with tensioners and dampers. Cost of work: from 30 to 60 thousand rubles (depending on the region).

Make sure there is no play in the camshafts|

Replace all plastic dampers|

Check the condition of the sprockets|

Use original chain (part no. 13028-4M50A)|-->

3. Troubleshooting and misfires

If Murano begins to “triple”, the culprits are most often:

  • 🔥 Ignition coils (fail every 80–120 thousand km).
  • ⚡ Spark plugs (recommended replacement interval is 60 thousand km).
  • 🔌 Breakdown of high-voltage wires (rare, but does occur).

Diagnostics:

  • Count errors by the scanner (for example, P0301 - misfire in cylinder 1).
  • Swap the coils - if the error “passes” to another cylinder, the coil is to blame.
  • Check the spark plugs for carbon deposits or cracks.

Repair cost:

  • Ignition coil (original) - ~5 thousand rubles/piece.
  • Candles NGK PLFR5A-11 — ~500 rub./pcs.
💡

If after replacing the coils and spark plugs there are still gaps, check the compression in the cylinders. Low compression (less than 10 bar) may indicate worn valves or piston rings.

Maintenance VQ35DE: regulations and recommendations

Engine life VQ35DE directly depends on the quality and regularity of service. The manufacturer recommends the following regulations:

Type of work Interval (thousand km) Notes
Changing the oil and filter 10–15 Use oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN
Replacing the air filter 30 More often when used in dusty conditions
Replacing spark plugs 60 Original - NGK PLFR5A-11 or Denso FK16HR11
Replacing the fuel filter 60 On Murano the filter is built into the fuel pump
Replacing the timing belt/chain 150–200 Circuit, but requires condition monitoring

Additional recommendations:

  • 🔧 Oil level control: check at least once every 1000 km. VQ35DE is sensitive to oil starvation.
  • ⛽ Fuel: use AI-95, on AI-92 detonation and accelerated wear are possible.
  • 🔥 Warm up: In cold weather, let the engine run for 1-2 minutes before driving (but do not idle for more than 5 minutes).
  • 🚗 Riding: Avoid long trips at low speeds (less than 2000 rpm) - this leads to coking of the rings.
💡

The most common cause of premature wear of the VQ35DE is untimely oil change. The use of cheap or counterfeit oils accelerates the formation of deposits and wear of rubbing pairs.

Tuning and upgrading VQ35DE: is the game worth the candle?

Engine VQ35DE has good potential for tuning, but not all modifications are justified from the point of view of reliability and cost. Let's consider the main directions:

1. Software tuning (chip tuning)

Reflashing the ECU allows you to increase power by 10–15% without mechanical modifications. Popular options:

  • 📈 Stock firmware → Euro-2: +15–20 hp, but fuel consumption increases.
  • 📈 Firmware for 98 gasoline: +20–25 hp, requires high-quality fuel.

Cost: 15–30 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: after chip tuning, the load on the transmission and brakes increases. If you have an automatic RE0F10A, its resource may be reduced by 20–30%.

2. Mechanical tuning

More serious modifications require investment, but provide a noticeable increase in power:

  • 🔧 Cold intake installation: +5–8 hp, improved throttle response.
  • 🔥 Direct outlet (4-2-1): +10–15 hp, but loses low-end torque.
  • ⚙️ Replacing camshafts: +30–50 hp, but requires cylinder head modification and tuning.
  • 💨 Turbokits: +100+ hp, but the engine life is reduced to 100–150 thousand km.

The most popular kits for VQ35DE:

  • 🏁 Stillen or Jim Wolf Technology (JWT) - ready-made firmware and kits for atmospheric tuning.
  • 🔥 GReddy or HKS — turbo kits for extreme tuning.
What happens if you install a turbine on a VQ35DE?

Without engine preparation (reinforced pistons, forged connecting rods, higher-performance injectors), turbocharging will lead to rapid wear of the CPG. The service life of the motor will be reduced to 50–80 thousand km. For reliable operation under the turbine, a reduction in the compression ratio (to 8.5:1) and the installation of an intercooler are required.

Comparison of VQ35DE with other Nissan engines

How VQ35DE looks compared to other engines Nissan? Let's consider a comparison with the closest analogues:

Parameter VQ35DE (3.5) VQ25DE (2.5) VQ40DE (4.0) MR20DE (2.0)
Volume, l 3.5 2.5 4.0 2.0
Power, hp 234–265 180–200 261–303 136–150
Consumption (city), l/100 km 12.8–14.2 11.5–13.0 14.5–16.0 9.5–11.0
Resource, thousand km 350–400 300–350 300–350 250–300
Reliability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

Conclusions:

  • 🔹 VQ35DE — optimal balance of power and reliability.
  • 🔹 VQ40DE more powerful, but more voracious and less durable.
  • 🔹 MR20DE more economical, but weaker and requires more frequent maintenance.

How to choose a Nissan Murano with VQ35DE on the secondary market?

When buying used Murano with engine 3.5 VQ35DE Please pay attention to the following points:

1. Engine check

  • 🔍 Maslozhor: ask the seller how much oil is used per 1000 km. The norm is up to 300 ml.
  • 🔊 Extraneous noise: A knocking sound when cold may indicate wear on the hydraulic compensators or timing chain.
  • 💨 Exhaust smoke: blue smoke - oil in the combustion chamber, white - antifreeze (cylinder head gasket is broken).

2. Transmission diagnostics

Murano equipped with automatic transmission RE0F10A, which, with a mileage of 200 thousand km, may have the following problems:

  • 🔄 Jerks when switching — wear of clutches or solenoids.
  • 🛑 Delay when turning on the drive - low oil level or torque converter malfunction.

3. Electronics and interior

  • 🔋 Battery: weak point Murano — rapid battery discharge due to current leaks (the comfort unit is often to blame).
  • 🎛️ Heated seats: check the functionality - heating elements often fail.

Timing chain condition (is it stretched) |

Oil level and color (no metal shavings)|

Air conditioner operation (compressor often jams) |

Suspension condition (knocks in struts and silent blocks)|-->

Average prices for Nissan Murano with VQ35DE (2023):

  • 💰 2003–2007 (Z50): 600–900 thousand rubles.
  • 💰 2008–2014 (Z51): 900–1.4 million rub.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano with 3.5 engine

❓ What is the fuel consumption of the Murano 3.5 on the highway and in the city?

Official data (for Nissan Murano Z51):

  • 🏙️ City: 12.8–14.2 l/100 km.
  • 🛣️ Route: 8.5–9.5 l/100 km.
  • ⚖️ Mixed cycle: 10.5–11.5 l/100 km.

Actual consumption depends on driving style and fuel quality. With an aggressive driving style, consumption can increase to 16–18 l/100 km in the city.

❓ What oil should I put in VQ35DE?

Recommended oils:

  • 🔹 Original: Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (article KE900-90042).
  • 🔹 Analogues:
    • Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
    • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30
    • Castrol Edge 5W-30

Oil volume when changing: 4.8–5.0 l (with filter). Replacement interval: 10–15 thousand km (in difficult conditions - 7–10 thousand km).

❓ Is it possible to drive on 92 gasoline?

Officially Nissan recommends AI-95, but many owners refuel AI-92 without consequences. However, there are risks:

  • ⚠️ Detonation under high loads (for example, when overtaking).
  • ⚠️ Accelerated wear catalyst and lambda probes.
  • ⚠️ Power reduction by 5–10%.

If you still refuel with 92, use octane enhancers (for example, Liqui Moly Oktan Plus).

❓ How much does a major overhaul of VQ35DE cost?

The cost of capital depends on the volume of work:

  • 🔧 Replacing rings and seals: 80–120 thousand rubles.
  • 🔧 Complete overhaul (boring the block, replacing liners): 150–250 thousand rubles.
  • 🔧 Contract engine: 180–250 thousand rubles. (with 6–12 month warranty).

Capital period: 2–4 weeks (depending on the service station).

❓ What is the service life of the RE0F10A automatic transmission?

Automatic transmission resource RE0F10A in Murano:

  • 🔄 When used carefully: 250–300 thousand km.
  • 🔄 When driving aggressively: 150–200 thousand km.

Weak points:

  • ⚠️ Solenoids (fail after 150 thousand km).
  • ⚠️ Torque converter (can “slip” after 200 thousand km).

Recommendations:

  • 🔹 Change the automatic transmission oil every 60 thousand km (original - Nissan Matic S).
  • 🔹 Avoid sudden starts and towing heavy trailers.