Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007): the first generation of crossover that changed the market

First generation Nissan Murano (factory index Z50) debuted in 2002 and became a real revolution in the class of mid-size crossovers. This car combined the dynamics of a sedan, the interior space of a minivan and the off-road capability of an SUV - a formula that later became the standard for many manufacturers. Murano Z50 built on a platform Nissan FF-L, common with Altima And Maxima, but received a unique suspension with increased ground clearance and an all-wheel drive system Attesa E-TS.

In Russia and the CIS countries, the model officially appeared only in 2004, but has already managed to gain a reputation as a reliable and comfortable car for the family. However, like any pioneer, Murano Z50 We had our own “childhood illnesses” - from problems with the variator to body corrosion. In this material we will analyze all key aspects: from technical characteristics to operating nuances that will help you avoid costly repairs.

Specifications Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007)

Under the hood First generation Murano a single gasoline engine was installed - naturally aspirated VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters. This motor, known from models Nissan 350Z And Infiniti G35, developed 245 hp (180 kW) at 5800 rpm and 333 Nm of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission RE0F06A (CVT) or 5-speed automatic transmission RE5R05A - depending on the sales market.

The drive could be front-wheel drive (2WD), and complete (AWD). System Attesa E-TS automatically connected the rear axle when the front wheels slipped, distributing up to 50% of the torque. Combined cycle fuel consumption was approx. 12–14 l/100 km - a lot, but justified for a car weighing over 1.8 tons.

Parameter	Meaning
Engine	VQ35DE 3.5 l, V6, 24 valves
Power	245 hp (180 kW) at 5800 rpm
Torque	333 Nm at 3600–4800 rpm
Transmission	CVT RE0F06A or automatic transmission RE5R05A
Drive	2WD or AWD (Attesa E-TS)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	8.5–9.2 sec (depending on drive)

Suspension Murano Z50 independent on all wheels: front - MacPherson, behind - multi-lever. The braking system included ventilated discs on all wheels (front - 320 mm, rear - 302 mm) and ABS with a brake force distribution system (EBD). The wheelbase was 2825 mm, and the ground clearance was 200 mm, which made it possible to feel confident on dirt roads.

Weaknesses and typical problems of the first generation Murano

Despite a reliable reputation, Nissan Murano Z50 had a number of vulnerabilities that you should be aware of before purchasing. The main “headache” of owners is variator RE0F06A. If you do not change the oil on time (the recommended interval is every 60,000 km) jerking, slipping and accelerated wear of the belt began. In advanced cases, it was necessary to replace the entire transmission, the cost of which could exceed 150,000 rubles.

Other common problems:

• 🔥 Engine overheating due to a clogged radiator or faulty thermostat. This is especially true for cars with mileage over 150,000 km.
• 🛢️ Oil leaks through the valve cover gasket and camshaft seals. Often accompanied by a characteristic smell of burnt oil.
• 🔋 Electrics: oxygen sensor failures (lambda-sond), problems with the automatic transmission control unit, blown fuses in the cooling fan circuit.
• 🚗 Suspension: wear of stabilizer struts (knock on bumps), rear beam silent blocks and ball joints.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z50 with a CVT, be sure to check the transmission oil change history. If the previous owner ignored the regulations, be prepared for a major overhaul after 10–20 thousand km.

Another “disease” is body corrosion. Particularly vulnerable:

• 🚪 Thresholds and lower edges of doors.
• 🔧 Trunk lid (at the place where the windshield wiper is attached).
• 🛑 Rear arches above the wheels.

On the secondary market, there are often examples with “repainted” thresholds - this is a sure sign of hidden rust. It is recommended to check before purchasing diagnostics on a lift or use an endoscope to examine hidden cavities.

How to check a variator before buying?

1. Warm up the car to operating temperature (coolant ~90°C).

2. Press the brake pedal and move the selector to position "D". The engine should slightly “squat” in speed (a sign of a working lock-up clutch).

3. Drive off smoothly - there should be no jerks or delays.

4. When accelerating to 60–80 km/h, listen for noise: a hum or vibration may indicate bearing wear.

5. Check the oil in the variator - it should be light, without a burnt smell or metal shavings.

Which engine to choose: naturally aspirated or LPG?

Nissan Murano Z50 equipped exclusively with gasoline VQ35DE, but many owners installed gas equipment (HBO) to save money. However, there are nuances here:

Advantages of HBO:

• 💰 Fuel savings: gas consumption ~14–16 l/100 km versus 12–14 l of gasoline.
• 🛢️ Less wear on cylinders (gas does not wash off the oil film from the walls).
• 🌍 Reducing harmful emissions.

Disadvantages and risks:

• 🔥 Increased load on the valves (gas burns longer than gasoline, which leads to their burnout).
• 🛠️ Expensive setup: required ECU calibration for gas and installing an ignition timing variator.
• 🚗 Loss of power by 5–10% (especially noticeable when overtaking).

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to install HBO on Murano Z50, choose 4th generation or newer equipment with phased injection. Cheap systems of the 1st or 2nd generation will quickly damage the engine.

Alternative to gas - transition to AI-95 gasoline instead of AI-92. This reduces the risk of detonation and extends the life of the engine. It is also recommended to use oils approved Nissan KE900-90042 (For example, Mobil 1 5W-30 or Idemitsu 5W-40).

Operation and maintenance: what the owner needs to know

Maintenance schedule Nissan Murano Z50 provides the following key activities:

Interval (km)	Works
15 000	Changing engine oil and filter, checking fluid levels
30 000	Replacement of air and cabin filters, suspension diagnostics
60 000	Changing the oil in the variator (or automatic transmission), brake fluid
90 000	Replacing the timing belt (if equipped), spark plugs, antifreeze
120 000	Checking the condition of the fuel system, replacing the fuel filter

Requires special attention cooling system. Due to design features VQ35DE prone to overheating, therefore:

• 🔄 Change antifreeze every 60,000 km (use Nissan Long Life Coolant or analogues).
• 🛠️ Rinse the radiator at least once every 2 years (especially if the car is operated in city mode).
• 🌡️ Monitor the operation of the fans: if one of them fails, the temperature may rise to critical values.

CVT RE0F06A requires not only timely oil changes, but also careful operation:

• 🚗 Avoid sudden starts and long towing.
• 🛑 Do not overload the vehicle (maximum trailer weight is 900 kg).
• 🔄 Once every 100,000 km, check the condition of the variator belt (if worn, replacement is required).

Tuning and modifications: what can be improved in the Murano Z50

Nissan Murano first generation is an excellent platform for tuning, but the approach must be balanced. Most popular destinations:

1. External tuning:

• 🎨 Full painting in two colors (for example, black bottom + silver top).
• 🔦 Installation of LED headlights and fog lights (for example, Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0).
• 🚗 Light spoiler for the trunk lid and side skirts.

2. Engine and transmission:

• 🔥 Chip tuning (ECU firmware) to increase power up to 260–270 hp
• 🛢️ Installation of direct intake (Injen or K&N) and sports exhaust (Borla or MagnaFlow).
• ⚙️ Replacing the CVT with a 5-speed automatic transmission (for example, from Nissan Pathfinder R51) to improve reliability.

3. Suspension and brakes:

• 🛞 Installation of wheels of larger diameter (up to R20) with low profile tires.
• 🔧 Replacing the stands with adjustable ones (Tein or KW) to improve handling.
• 🛑 Installation of perforated brake discs and ceramic pads (EBC Redstuff).

⚠️ Attention: When tuning the engine (chip tuning + exhaust) be sure to strengthen the transmission. Standard CVT not calculated for increased torque and can fail after 20–30 thousand km.

For off-road enthusiasts, a lift kit (increasing ground clearance by 30–50 mm) and installing off-road tires (BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2). However, it is worth remembering that Murano Z50 — this is still a crossover, not a frame SUV, so serious off-road driving is contraindicated for it.

Comparison with competitors: Murano Z50 vs Toyota Highlander vs Honda Pilot

In the 2000s Nissan Murano Z50 competed with several models in the mid-size crossover class. Let's look at the key differences:

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z50	Toyota Highlander (XU20)	Honda Pilot (1st generation)
Engine	V6 3.5 l (245 hp)	V6 3.0 l (220 hp) or 3.3 l (230 hp)	V6 3.5 l (240 hp)
Transmission	CVT or automatic transmission	4-speed automatic transmission	5-speed automatic transmission
Drive	2WD or AWD	2WD or 4WD	2WD or 4WD
Fuel consumption (combined)	12–14 l/100 km	11–13 l/100 km	12–14 l/100 km
Secondary market price (2023)	400 000–800 000 ₽	500 000–900 000 ₽	550 000–1 000 000 ₽

Pros of the Murano Z50:

• 🚀 More powerful engine compared to Highlander.
• 🛋️ Spacious and comfortable interior with high-quality finishes.
• 💰 Lower price on the secondary market (with similar mileage).

Cons of the Murano Z50:

• 🔧 Less reliable variator compared to automatic transmission of competitors.
• 🛠️ Higher cost of spare parts (especially for VQ35DE).
• 🚗 Lower ground clearance (200 mm versus 210 mm for Pilot).

If you care resource and ease of maintenance - choose Toyota Highlander. For those who appreciate dynamics and original design, Murano Z50 would be the best option. Honda Pilot occupies an intermediate position, offering a good balance between reliability and comfort.

Secondary market prices and buying tips

Cost Nissan Murano Z50 on the secondary market in 2026 varies from 350,000 to 900,000 rubles, depending on the year of manufacture, mileage and condition. Average prices by region:

• 📍 Moscow and region: 500,000–800,000 ₽.
• 📍 St. Petersburg: 450,000–750,000 ₽.
• 📍 Regions: 350,000–600,000 ₽.

When choosing, pay attention to:

1. Mileage: the optimal range is 100,000–150,000 km. Cars with mileage over 200,000 km require investment in suspension and transmission.
2. Service history: availability of receipts for changing the oil in the variator and timing belt (if applicable).
3. Body condition: Check the sills, arches and underbody for corrosion.
4. Engine: no knocking, smoking or extraneous noise.

⚠️ Attention: Often found on the market Murano Z50 with “twisted” mileage. Check history by VIN through services Autocode or CarVertical. This is especially true for cars imported from the USA or Japan.

Average cost of ownership Murano Z50 (per 100,000 km):

• 🛢️ Fuel: ~120,000 ₽ (at a gasoline price of 50 ₽/l).
• 🛠️ Maintenance: ~80,000 ₽ (including oil and filter replacement).
• 🔧 Repair and spare parts: ~50,000–150,000 ₽ (depending on condition).
• 🚗 Insurance (CASCO): ~30,000–50,000 ₽ per year.

When used correctly Nissan Murano Z50 can last 300,000 km or more. The main thing is to monitor the variator, cooling system and not ignore the first signs of malfunctions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z50

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on a Murano Z50 with a CVT?

Yes, but with reservations. Maximum trailer weight - 900 kg (for all-wheel drive model). However, towing creates additional load on the variator, therefore:

• Use only original tow bar Nissan.
• Do not exceed the speed of 80 km/h.
• After towing, check the oil level in the variator.

For regular towing it is better to choose Murano with classic automatic transmission.

❓ What oil should I fill into the RE0F06A variator?

The manufacturer recommends the original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (art. KLE52-00004). Alternatives:

• Idemitsu CVTF (complete analogue).
• Mobil CVT Fluid (suitable for most CVTs Nissan).

⚠️ Do not use ATF or other oils! This will lead to premature wear of the belt and bearings.

❓ What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine?

With proper maintenance VQ35DE passes easily 300,000–400,000 km. Key terms:

• Oil change every 10,000 km (preferably 7,500 km).
• Use of high-quality fuel (AI-95 or AI-98).
• Temperature control (do not overheat above 105°C).

Weak points of the engine: valve cover gasket, camshaft seals and timing chain (on some versions).

❓ Is it possible to install R18 tires instead of standard R17?

Yes, but with restrictions. Acceptable sizes:

• 235/60 R18 (analogous to standard 235/65 R17).
• 245/55 R18 (slightly lowers the ground clearance).

⚠️ During installation R18 Speedometer readings may need to be adjusted (error ~3–5%). The load on the suspension will also increase.

❓ Where is the VIN number for Murano Z50?

The VIN number is located in three places:

1. On the plate under the windshield (driver's side).
2. On the nameplate in the driver's door opening.
3. On the cylinder block (visible when the hood is open).

VIN format for Murano Z50: JN8AZ08W*XM123456 (where * is the letter code of the year of manufacture).