Nissan Murano with motor VQ35DE with a volume of 3.5 liters is one of the most reliable crossovers in the line of the Japanese brand, but even it requires competent maintenance. Owners often face the question: how much oil does it take to change, which one to choose based on viscosity and brand, and how to avoid mistakes when filling. This article contains accurate data from official manuals, advice from experts and step-by-step instructions taking into account the nuances of a particular engine.

Engine VQ35DE installed on Murano first (Z50, 2003–2007) and second (Z51, 2008–2014) generations, as well as restyled versions. Despite the similar design, the oil volume may vary depending on the year of manufacture, the type of oil filter and even climatic conditions. We will look at all the options, including full volume when replacing with filter And topping up between maintenance.

Official data: how much oil is in the Nissan Murano 3.5 engine

According to service manuals Nissan, for engine VQ35DE (the engine code is often indicated on a plate under the hood) the following standards are established:

  • 🔧 Total oil volume (including filter): 4.8–5.0 liters - depends on the year of manufacture and modification. For 2003–2007 models. usually 4.8 liters is enough, for 2008–2014. — closer to 5.0 l.
  • 🔄 Replacement volume without filter: 4.5–4.7 l (if the filter is not changed, some of the oil remains in it).
  • ⚠️ Topping up between maintenance: no more than 0.5–0.7 liters per interval (exceeding the flow rate indicates problems!).

Important: these figures are relevant for complete replacement (with waste draining and washing). If you use a vacuum pump for express replacement, the volume may be reduced by 0.3–0.5 liters due to residual oil in the pan.

Year of manufacture Model (generation) Oil volume with filter (l) Recommended viscosity
2003–2007 Z50 (1st generation) 4.8 5W-30, 5W-40
2008–2010 Z51 (2nd generation, pre-restyle) 4.9 5W-30, 0W-30
2011–2014 Z51 (restyle) 5.0 0W-20, 5W-30
2015+ Z52 (3rd generation, different engine!) — —

⚠️ Attention: On Murano 2015 and newer engine installed VQ35DD with the system Direct Injection, for which the oil standards are different! This article is dedicated only to VQ35DE (atmospheric, 3.5 l, 234–260 hp).

What oil to fill in Nissan Murano 3.5: viscosity and brands

The manufacturer recommends oils with approvals API SN or ILSAC GF-5 for gasoline engines. Optimal viscosity depends on climate:

  • ❄️ Cold climate (down to -30°C): 0W-20, 0W-30 — provide easy starting in winter, but can cause increased waste consumption in hot weather.
  • 🌡️ Temperate climate: 5W-30 - a universal choice for most regions of Russia.
  • ☀️ Hot climate (above +35°C): 5W-40 - better protects against overheating, but may complicate winter starting.

Among the brands, masters prefer:

  • 🏆 Nissan Original Oil 5W-30 (article KE900-90042) - factory fill, optimized for VQ35DE.
  • 💎 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 - synthetics with low sulfur content, suitable for engines with a catalyst.
  • 🔥 Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 — reduces oil consumption due to waste (relevant for runs over 150 thousand km).

📊 What oil do you use in Nissan Murano 3.5?
  • Nissan Original
  • Mobil 1
  • Liqui Moly
  • Other synthetic
  • Semi-synthetics

⚠️ Attention: Do not use oils with a viscosity 10W-40 and higher - they worsen the performance of the system VVL (variable valve timing) on VQ35DE, which leads to loss of power and increased fuel consumption.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil in a Nissan Murano 3.5

Changing the oil to Murano with engine VQ35DE does not require special equipment, but there are several critical nuances. For example, improper drain can leave up to 0.3 liters of waste in the pan, and overflow - damage the seals. Follow the algorithm:

Drain the old oil (the engine should be warm, but not hot!)

Replace the oil filter (original part number - 15208-9F600)

Flush the system when changing oil type (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic)

Check the level on the dipstick after filling and after 5 minutes of engine operation -->

Step 1. Drain waste

Place the car on a flat surface (preferably on a lift or overpass). Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench 14 mm (on some models - on 17 mm). Place a container with a volume of at least 6 liters - the oil will flow out under pressure! Wait until it drains completely (10–15 minutes).

Step 2: Replace the filter

The filter is located to the right of the engine (when viewed in the direction of travel). Use a puller or pierce the housing with a screwdriver to unscrew it. Before installing a new filter (for example, Mann W712/94 or Framm PH7317) Lubricate the rubber seal with fresh oil.

Step 3. Filling with new oil

Pour oil in 0.5 liter portions through the neck (key on 10 mm to unscrew the lid). After filling 4.5 liters, check the level with a dipstick. Bring to the mark between MIN And MAX, then run the engine for 3-5 minutes and recheck the level.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the level is higher MAX more than 5 mm, drain the excess through the drain plug or pump it out with a syringe through the dipstick. Overfilling leads to oil foaming and increased pressure, which destroys the crankshaft and camshaft seals.

Common mistakes when changing oil

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce engine life. VQ35DE. Here are the most critical ones:

  • 🛢️ Using flushing unnecessarily: Aggressive flushing compounds destroy deposits, which then clog the oil passages. Rinse only when changing the type of oil (for example, from mineral water to synthetic) or after purchasing a used car.
  • 🔧 Tightening the filter by hand: Insufficient tightening leads to leaks, excessive tightening leads to deformation of the filter housing. Use a torque wrench (tightening torque: 18–22 Nm).
  • 📉 Ignoring level after replacement: Oil level needs to be checked 5 minutes after stopping the engine - this way the oil will drain into the pan, and the dipstick readings will be accurate.

⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on after changing the oil OIL LEVEL LOW, do not add oil immediately! First check with a dipstick - the level sensor is on Murano often gives false alarms when making sharp turns or tilting the car.

How often to change oil in Nissan Murano 3.5

Official regulations Nissan for VQ35DE — every 15,000 km or 12 months, but these figures are relevant for ideal conditions (European roads, high-quality fuel, moderate climate). In the realities of Russia, the interval should be shortened:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle (frequent traffic jams): 10,000–12,000 km.
  • 🛣️ Severe conditions (dust, off-road, towing): 8,000–10,000 km.
  • ❄️ Operation in winter (frequent cold starts): 7,000–9,000 km.

💡

If you are using oil 0W-20 or 0W-30, reduce the replacement interval by 10–15% - low-viscosity oils lose their protective properties faster.

Signs that the oil needs to be changed urgently (even if the regulations do not apply):

  • 🔊 Extraneous noise in the engine (knock of hydraulic compensators).
  • 🌡️ Increased engine temperature (over 100°C in a traffic jam).
  • 💨 Black or gray exhaust (signals that oil has entered the combustion chamber).

What happens if you don't change the oil on time?

Engine VQ35DE known for its reliability, but only if the maintenance regulations are followed. Consequences of untimely oil changes:

  1. Timing chain wear: Contaminated oil accelerates chain stretch, which leads to a shift in valve timing and repair cost from 50,000 rubles.
  2. Coking of piston rings: Carbon deposits on the rings reduce compression and increase oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km).
  3. Failure of hydraulic compensators: Leads to knocking when the engine is cold and unstable.

💡

The most expensive breakdown due to untimely oil changes is wear of the camshafts and rocker arms (repairs will cost 100,000+ rubles). On VQ35DE this is manifested by a metallic clanging sound when operating at high speeds.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in Nissan Murano 3.5

Can I use semi-synthetic instead of synthetic?

Yes, but only if the car’s mileage exceeds 200,000 km, and the engine “eats” synthetic oil (consumption more than 0.5 liters per 1,000 km). Semi-synthetics (for example, Lukoil Luxe 10W-40) is less fluid and burns out less often, but it needs to be changed every 8,000 km.

Which oil filter is better - original or analogue?

Original filter (15208-9F600) is optimal in terms of price/quality ratio. Among the analogues tested: Mann W712/94 (Germany), Framm PH7317 (USA), Bosch 0 451 103 336. From budget - Sakura C-1016 (Japan), but its resource is 20% lower.

Why does the pressure light come on after changing the oil?

There are several reasons:

  1. Insufficient oil level (check the dipstick!).
  2. The pressure sensor (located next to the oil filter) is faulty.
  3. The oil channel is clogged (relevant if the system was not flushed after using old oil).
  4. The oil filter is defective (for example, the check valve does not open).

If the lamp flashes at idle, immediately turn off the engine and check the level!

How much oil normally goes to waste?

For VQ35DE normal consumption - up to 0.3 l per 1,000 km. Exceeding this value indicates:

  • Worn oil scraper rings.
  • Coking of piston rings (especially if you use oil with a viscosity higher 5W-40).
  • Malfunction of the PCV valve (crankcase ventilation system).

Is it possible to mix oils from different brands?

Yes, but only if they have same viscosity and tolerances (For example, 5W-30 API SN). Mixing oils with different bases (mineral water + synthetics) leads to sedimentation. In emergency cases (for example, on the road), you can add any oil, but then be sure to flush the system when replacing.