Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007): is it worth buying your first Murano today?

First generation Nissan Murano (factory index Z50) appeared on the market in 2002 and became a real sensation: it was one of the first crossovers with a monocoque body, combining the comfort of a sedan with the cross-country ability of an SUV. Today, 20+ years later, these cars are still found on the secondary market, with prices ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 rubles - depending on condition and mileage. But is it worth buying? Murano Z50 in 2026? Or is it a high-risk lottery ticket?

In this article we will look at all weak points first Murano, let's talk about it engines, transmissions and suspension, and also give practical advice on selection and operation. You will find out what parts most often fail after 200,000 km, how to check a car before buying and what to pay attention to during maintenance. If you are considering Nissan Murano Z50 Whether it's a budget family car or a touring car, this guide will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Specifications Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007)

First generation Murano built on a platform Nissan FF-L, which was also used Nissan Altima And Infiniti QX4. The car was equipped exclusively petrol V6 and all-wheel drive Attesa E-TS with electronic control. Here are the key parameters:

• 🔧 Engines:
  • VQ35DE 3.5 l (245–250 hp) - the most common option;
  • VQ35DE with the system Nissan Valve Timing Control (NVTC) — modification for some markets.
• ⚙️ Transmission: 4-speed automatic only RE4F04A (paired with VQ35DE);
• 🚗 Drive: full Attesa E-TS with a clutch in the rear gearbox;
• 📏 Dimensions: 4780×1885×1730 mm (length×width×height);
• ⚖️ Weight: 1800–1950 kg (depending on configuration).

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z50 (2002–2007)
Fuel consumption (city/highway)	14–16 l / 9–11 l (per 100 km)
Tank volume	80 l
Clearance	200 mm
Trunk volume	480 l (up to 1680 l with seats folded)
Max. speed / Acceleration 0–100 km/h	200 km/h / 8.5–9.2 s

Feature Murano Z50 — continuous rear axle (unlike the independent multi-lever of competitors like Toyota Highlander). This simplified the design, but affected controllability. But I got the car robust frame with integrated side members, which ensured good torsional rigidity of the body.

⚠️ Attention: All Murano Z50 equipped power steering (power steering), not electric power steering. This means that if the belt breaks, the power steering pump will fail and the steering wheel will become extremely heavy. Check the condition of the belt when purchasing!

Weaknesses of the Nissan Murano Z50: what to look for

Like any used car 200,000–300,000 km, Murano Z50 has a number of “diseases” that can result in serious expenses. Here TOP-5 most problematic nodes:

• 🔥 Engine VQ35DE:
  • “Maslozhor” after 200,000 km (oil consumption up to 1 l per 1000 km);
  • Wear timing chains and tensioners (crackling noise on cold start);
  • Leaks through valve cover and rear crankshaft oil seal;
  • Problems with ignition coils (triples, misfires).
• 🔄 Gearbox RE4F04A:
  • Wear clutches 2–3 gears (jerking, slipping);
  • Shank seal leak;
  • Failure solenoids (switching delays).
• 🚗 Suspension:
  • Wear stabilizer bushings (knocks on bumps);
  • Leaks shock absorbers (especially the rear ones);
  • Destruction silent blocks of levers.

Another common problem is electrician. Often fail:

• 💡 Climate control unit (the fan does not work, the temperature is not regulated);
• 🔋 Generator (battery undercharge, battery light on);
• 🎛️ ABS sensors (the malfunction lamp lights up).

Particular attention should be paid all-wheel drive system Attesa E-TS. It is built on the basis of an electromagnetic clutch in the rear gearbox, which wears out over time. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔧 Permanent all-wheel drive (the clutch is “jammed” in a closed state);
• 🚫 Lack of all-wheel drive (the clutch is not blocked);
• 💥 Knocks or vibrations when turning on all-wheel drive.

⚠️ Attention: If during the test drive you heard crunching or grinding noise when turning - this is a sign of wear CV joints or wheel bearings. B Murano Z50 these parts last on average 100,000–150,000 km, after which they require replacement.

VQ35DE engine: resource, problems and repairs

Heart Murano Z50 - legendary VQ35DE, which was installed on many models Nissan And Infiniti. This motor is known for its reliability, but only when proper maintenance. Here's what you need to know:

• 🛢️ Oil and filter: change every 7,000–10,000 km (synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40). Using cheap oil will speed up wear timing chains;
• ⚙️ Timing chain: resource - 150,000–200,000 km. When the chain is stretched, it appears crackling when cold, and later - failure of valve timing;
• 🔥 Maslozhor: after 200,000 km, oil consumption can reach 1 l per 1000 km. Reason: wear and tear oil scraper rings And valve seals;
• 💧 Leaks: most often leak valve covers, crankshaft rear oil seal And oil filter (due to deformation of the o-ring).

If the engine starts to “trouble”, check:

1. Spark plugs (NGK PLFR5A-11 or Denso FK16HR11 — original analogues);
2. Ignition coils (often fail after 100,000 km);
3. Injectors (can become clogged, especially if you refuel at dubious gas stations).

For diagnostics VQ35DE good to know error codeswhich are often found:

Error code	Description	Possible reason
P0300	Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected	Misfires (plugs, coils, injectors)
P0171/P0174	System Too Lean (Bank 1/Bank 2)	Air leaks, clogged injectors, faulty MAF sensor
P0420	Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold	Wear of catalysts (often requires replacement)

Engine oil (color, level, presence of emulsion)|Timing chain condition (listen when cold)|Gearbox operation (smooth shifts)|Seal and gasket leaks|Suspension condition (knocking, play)-->

Gearbox RE4F04A: weak points and repairs

Four-speed automatic RE4F04A considered one of the most reliable in the line Nissan, but he also has weak points:

• 🔄 Clutches 2–3 gears: wear out by 200,000–250,000 km, which manifests itself jerkily when switching;
• 🛢️ Hydroblock: the channels become clogged, which leads to delays when switching;
• 🔧 Shank seal: flows after 150,000 km, which leads to oil leak;
• 💥 Bearings: wear is evident roar in neutral gear.

To extend the life of the box, follow simple rules:

1. Change automatic transmission oil every 60,000 km (use Nissan Matic D or analogues);
2. Check oil level on a heated box (on HOT on the dipstick);
3. Avoid towing and long slips;
4. At the first sign jerks or delays contact a diagnostician.

If the box is already “kicking”, the following problems are possible:

Symptom	Possible reason	Repair cost (approx.)
Jerks when shifting 2–3 gears	Friction wear	20,000–40,000 ₽ (partial repair)
Switching delays	Clogged valve body or solenoids	15,000–30,000 ₽ (cleaning/replacement)
Oil leaking from under the box	Shank seal or pan gasket	5 000–10 000 ₽

What to do if the automatic transmission goes into emergency mode?

If the box goes into emergency mode (the lamp is on AT or Check Engine), 首先 check:

1. Automatic transmission oil level (add if necessary).

2. Condition of wiring and solenoid connectors.

3. Error codes (eg P0730 - incorrect gear ratio).

If the problem persists, diagnostics at the stand are required.

Suspension and steering: what breaks most often

Suspension Murano Z50 designed for comfort, not sporty handling. However, over time it requires attention. Here the most vulnerable elements:

• 🔧 Front suspension:
  • Wheel bearings (100,000–150,000 km);
  • Ball joints (120,000–180,000 km);
  • Silent blocks of levers (150,000 km).
• 🚗 Rear suspension:
  • Shock absorbers (100,000–120,000 km);
  • Stabilizer bushings (80,000–100,000 km);
  • Springs (may sag after 200,000 km).

Particular attention should be paid steering:

• 🔄 Steering rack: may leak after 150,000 km (sign - heavy steering wheel and power steering fluid leak);
• 🛢️ Power steering fluid: change every 60,000 km (use Nissan PSF or analogues);
• 🔧 Tie rod ends: wear out by 100,000–120,000 km (sign - steering play).

If you hear knocking sound in front suspension, check:

1. Silent blocks of levers;
2. Ball joints;
3. Wheel bearings (lift the car and rock the wheel in a horizontal plane).

Electrical and electronics: typical faults

Electrics Murano Z50 not the most reliable, especially after 15 years of operation. Here most common problems:

• 💡 Climate control unit: The contact group or microcircuits fail. Signs - fan doesn't work, temperature is not regulated;
• 🔋 Generator: The brushes or diode bridge wear out. Signs - battery light on, undercharge;
• 🎛️ ABS sensors: contacts oxidize or the sensors themselves fail. Sign - ABS light on;
• 🚗 Electric seats: motors or gears break (especially if the seats have been frequently adjusted);
• 🔊 Audio system: radio in basic versions Clarion often “glitchy” (problems with reading CDs, noise in the speakers).

Owners also face:

• 💥 Malfunction of power windows (wear of motors or cables);
• 🔌 Short circuit in wiring harnesses (especially in the pedal area);
• 🚨 False alarms (problems with door switches).

For electrical diagnostics, it is useful to know the location fuses and relays:

• Fuse box in the passenger compartment - under the panel on the driver's side;
• The main relay block is under the hood, next to the battery;
• The fuse diagram is usually pasted on the back of the block cover.

⚠️ Attention: If after washing or rain a burning smell, immediately check the fuse box under the hood - water often gets in there, which leads to a short circuit!

How to choose a Nissan Murano Z50 on the secondary market

Upon purchase Murano Z50 with mileage you should pay attention to 10 Key Points:

1. Mileage: optimally - up to 200,000 km. Used cars within 300,000 km require investment;
2. Body condition: check rapids, arches And bottom for rust (especially if the car is from the northern regions);
3. Engine: listen to it cold (should not be timing chain crack or knocks);
4. Gearbox: check the smoothness of switching, absence jerks And delays;
5. Suspension: ride over uneven surfaces - it shouldn’t happen knocks And creaks;
6. Electrical: check your work all electric windows, climate control And lighting;
7. Documents: availability service book — a big plus (especially if there are records of changing the oil in the automatic transmission);
8. Price: Average market price in 2026:
   • 200,000–300,000 ₽ – used cars 200,000+ km, requiring investment;
   • 350,000–500,000 ₽ — well-maintained examples with mileage up to 150,000 km;
   • 500,000+ ₽ - rare versions in the top configuration (LE or SL) with minimal mileage.

Before purchasing be sure to:

• 🔍 Swipe computer diagnostics (especially if it's on Check Engine);
• 📄 Check the history by VIN code (for the presence of an accident, restrictions, bail);
• 🚗 Take a ride in the car at least 30 minutes (including driving on the highway and uneven roads).

Operation and maintenance: tips for owners

To Nissan Murano Z50 served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

• 🛢️ Engine oil: change every 7,000–10,000 km (synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40). Best options:
  • Nissan 5W-30 SN (original);
  • Mobil 1 5W-30;
  • Liqui Moly 5W-40.
• ⚙️ Automatic transmission oil: complete replacement every 60,000 km (partial - every 30,000 km). Use Nissan Matic D;
• 🔧 Spark plugs: change every 60,000–80,000 km (original - NGK PLFR5A-11);
• 🛑 Brake system:
  • Pads - every 30,000–50,000 km;
  • Discs - every 100,000–120,000 km;
  • Brake fluid - every 2 years.

Also don't forget about:

• 🔄 Filters:
  • Air - every 15,000 km;
  • Salon - every 20,000 km;
  • Fuel - every 60,000 km.
• 🚗 Suspension: check the condition silent blocks, shock absorbers And wheel bearings every 20,000 km;
• 💡 Lighting: change lamps in pairs (for example, both halogen H7 in the headlights).

If you are planning self-service, the following information will be useful:

Refueling volumes	Nissan Murano Z50 (3.5 V6)
Engine oil (with filter)	4.8 l
Automatic transmission oil (full replacement)	9.5 l
Coolant	8.5 l
Power steering fluid	1.0 l
Brake fluid	0.8 l

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z50

❓ How long does the VQ35DE engine last on the Murano Z50?

When proper maintenance (regular oil changes, timing chain check) the engine runs easily 300,000–400,000 km. However, after 200,000 km it often appears maslozhor (up to 1 liter per 1000 km), which requires repair (replacement of rings, seals).

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

Yes, but with reservations:

• Maximum trailer weight - 900 kg (without brakes) or 1500 kg (with brakes);
• Be sure to check the condition gearboxes And all-wheel drive clutch;
• When towing a heavy trailer disable O/D (button on the automatic transmission lever) to reduce the load on the box.