Nissan Murano is a crossover that already in its basic configuration looks stylish and dynamic. But what if you want to stand out on the road or improve performance? Tuning Murano is not only aesthetics, but also the ability to adapt the car to your needs: from a sports body kit to increasing engine power.
In this article we will look at 15 proven tuning methods for Nissan Murano Z50/Z51 (2015–2023), including budget options for beginners and serious modifications for experienced car owners. You will learn which changes require certification from the traffic police, and which you can do yourself over the weekend. We will also analyze unique tuning features of the hybrid version of Murano (e-Power)that are often overlooked.
1. External tuning: from vinyl to wide body kit
Exterior Murano - this is the first thing that catches your eye. Even minimal changes can radically transform a car. Let's start with the most available options:
- 🎨 Vinyl wrap: full or partial (hood, roof, mirrors). Popular colors - matte black,
Kylie Green(Nissan signature shade), chameleon. Cost: from 15,000 ₽ for partial pasting. - 🔥 Headlight tinting: light dimming of brake lights and turn signals (legally up to 30% light transmission). Use films LLumar or 3M for durability.
- 🚗 Eyelashes for headlights: A budget-friendly way to add aggression. Suitable for Murano 2018+ with LED optics.
- 💎 Chrome trims: on door handles, radiator grille or exhaust pipes. Be careful: too much chromium can look tacky.
For those who are ready to invest more money, the following are suitable:
- 🏎️ Sports body kit: front splitter, rear diffuser, side skirts. Popular brands - Duraflex, Seibon Carbon (carbon fiber). Set price: from 80,000 ₽.
- 🔄 Replacing the radiator grille: to mesh version (for example, from Spec-D Tuning) or completely open for better cooling.
- 🔥 Two-tone paint: combination of black roof and body
Pearl WhiteorGun Metallic.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the body kit, check whether it covers the parking sensors or all-round cameras. On Murano 2020+ with system ProPILOT Assist this is critical!
- Sports (aggressive body kit)
- Elegant (chrome, two-tone paint)
- Offroad (protection, elevator)
- Stock-plus (minimal changes)
- Other
2. Wheels and suspension: balance between style and comfort
Wheels and tires are 50% of appearance Murano. Standard wheel sizes: 18" (base), 20" (top versions). Optimal parameters for tuning:
- 🔧 Discs:
20x8.5Jor21x9Jwith departureET35-40. Brands: Vossen, Rotiform, BBS. - 🛞 Rubber: for winter -
235/55 R20, for summer -255/45 R20(10 mm wider from the drain). - 📏 Spacers: 15–20 mm to widen the track (improves stability, but increases the load on the wheel bearings).
By suspension Murano - this is not Patrol, therefore, a lift of more than 30 mm requires modification of the levers and steering rods. Options:
| Suspension type | Raise/Lower | Cost (₽) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springs H&R or Eibach | -20...-30 mm | 25 000–35 000 | Better handling, maintaining comfort | Risk of contact on bumps when 21" disks |
| Air suspension Air Lift | -50...+50 mm | 200 000–300 000 | Ground clearance adjustment, smooth ride | Difficult to install, expensive maintenance |
| Spacers KW or Bilstein | +20...+30 mm | 15 000–25 000 | Budget-friendly, does not require modifications | Poor handling at high speeds |
⚠️ Attention: On Murano with the system 4WD Auto a change in ground clearance by more than 20 mm may cause errors in the control unit. Re-flashing required!
Before purchasing wheels, check their compatibility with your Murano's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Some models require calibration after installation.
3. Optics tuning: LED, angels and adaptive light
Light modifications are not only about beauty, but also about safety. Basic versions Murano often equipped with halogen headlights, which dim after 2–3 years. Upgrade options:
- 💡 LED lamps: for low/high beam (e.g. Osram Night Breaker LED). Important: installation required
CAN-bus adapters, otherwise there will be an error on the device. - 👼 Angel eyes: rings around the PTF or in the main headlights. For Murano 2021+ sets from Morimoto.
- 🔦 Fog lights: replacement with LED with temperature
4300K(white light without blue). - 🌈 Underbody lighting: App-controlled RGB strips (e.g. Philips Hue). Legal only if it doesn't blink!
For owners of top versions with Intelligent Auto Headlights Chip tuning available for activation:
- Adaptive light (headlights turn after the steering wheel).
- Automatic switching near/far.
- Daytime running lights in "angel eyes" mode.
How to avoid mistakes when installing LEDs?
Use lamps with a built-in driver CAN-bus and check the polarity before connecting. On Murano 2019+ may need to disable voltage monitoring via diagnostic scanner.
4. Chip tuning and increasing power
Nissan Murano equipped with gasoline engines VQ35DE (3.5 l, 249 hp) or hybrid system e-Power (2.5 l + electric motor). Both options have potential for tuning, but the approaches are different.
For petrol VQ35DE:
- 📈 ECU firmware: power increase up to
280–300 hp(for example, at RaceChip or ECU Tek). Cost: 30,000–50,000 rubles. - 💨 Cold air intake: K&N or Injen adds 5–8 hp and improves the sound.
- 🔥 Direct exhaust: system
2.5"with a resonator (for example, Borla or MagnaFlow).
For e-Power hybrid:
- ⚡ Optimizing the output of the electric motor: firmware increases torque at low speeds (up to
+15%). - 🔋 Installing an additional battery: To power the audio system or LEDs without putting a strain on the stock battery.
⚠️ Attention: Chip tuning for Murano with variator CVT Xtronic requires the mandatory installation of an additional oil cooler! Without this, the resource of the box is reduced by 2–3 times.
Make sure the sensors are in good condition (oxygen, detonation)|Check the compression in the cylinders|Diagnostics of the variator|Prepare the stock firmware for rollback|Install additional cooling (at power >270 hp)
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5. Interior tuning: from leather to multimedia
Interior Murano made with high quality, but often looks too conservative. Popular modifications:
- 🛋️ Interior reupholstery: leather seats with perforations and contrasting stitching (price from 60,000 ₽). For the budget - covers Covercraft.
- 🎶 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB with
Apple CarPlayAndAndroid Auto. - 🔥 Interior lighting: LED strips under the dashboard, in the door cards or glove compartment. Use colors that match the dashboard.
- 🖥️ Head-Up display: projection of speed onto the windshield (for example, Garmin HUD).
For owners of versions with Bose Audio available:
- Replacing speakers with Focal or Hertz.
- Installing a subwoofer in the spare wheel well (for example, JL Audio 10TW3).
- Soundproofing of doors and trunk (StP or Bitumast).
When replacing the radio with Murano 2020+ requires an adapter to keep the 360° camera and climate control working. Without it, these functions will be disabled!
6. Off-road tuning: protection and off-road accessories
Although Murano - This is a SUV, it can be adapted for light off-road use. The main thing is not to overload the car, since the ground clearance is only 180 mm.
- 🛡️ Crankcase protection: aluminum or steel (for example, from RCI Metalworks).
- 🌲 Mudguards: on the wheel arches to protect against dirt and stones.
- 🔦 Additional lights: LED Rigid Industries on the bumper or roof.
- 🏕️ Roof rack: for transporting bicycles or skis (max. load - 75 kg).
For serious off-roading you will need:
- Replacing a tire with
All-Terrain(For example, BFGoodrich KO2). - Installation of a winch (max. 3000 kg) with fastening to the frame.
- Additional fuel tank (capacity up to 30 l).
⚠️ Attention: On Murano with hybrid installation e-Power Avoid deep fords - electronics may be damaged if water gets in above the battery level!
7. Legal aspects: what is allowed and what is not
Any tuning must correspond Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 018/2011. Here's what you can do without agreement:
- Installation of wheels and tires within the permissible dimensions (specified in the vehicle registration certificate).
- Window tinting (except windshield) with light transmission of at least 70%.
- Replacing lamps with LED or xenon, if they are certified for your model.
- Pasting with vinyl (except for mirror or reflective materials).
What does it require? mandatory approval to the traffic police:
- Change of body color (even partial).
- Installation of a body kit that changes the dimensions of the car.
- Replacing the engine or gearbox.
- Change in ground clearance by more than 30 mm.
- Installation of additional headlights or lighting devices.
To legalize modifications you will need:
- Pass a preliminary technical examination.
- Obtain an opinion on the safety of the changes.
- Make changes to the PTS and STS.
Before purchasing tuning parts, check availability TR CU certificate of conformity. Without it, even vinyl wrapping can result in a fine!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tuning Nissan Murano
Is it possible to install a turbine on the VQ35DE?
Technically yes, but this requires a complete rework of the engine: strengthening the block, replacing pistons, adjusting the fuel system. The cost of such a project is from 500,000 rubles, and the engine life will be reduced to 80,000–100,000 km. For Murano this is not practical - it is better to consider chip tuning or a compressor (for example, Magnuson).
Which exhaust is better: stainless steel or carbon fiber?
Stainless steel (Borla, MagnaFlow) will last 10+ years, but weighs more. Carbon fiber (Seibon) is 30–40% lighter, but is susceptible to mechanical damage and burns out after 5–7 years. For daily use, the optimal combination is a stainless manifold + carbon fiber muffler.
Is it necessary to reflash the variator after chip tuning?
Yes! Standard firmware CVT Xtronic not designed for high torque. Without adapting the variator to the new power, you risk encountering:
- Overheating of the oil (leads to belt slipping).
- Accelerated wear of cones.
- Errors
P17F0orP17F1(mechatronics malfunction).
The cost of reflashing the variator: 15,000–25,000 rubles.
What wheels are suitable for winter on a Murano?
Optimal parameters:
- Size:
18x7.5Jor19x8J(narrow discs cut snow better). - Departure:
ET35-40(regular -ET30). - Rubber:
235/60 R18or235/55 R19with spikes or Velcro. - Brands: BBS CH-R, OZ Racing Ultraleggera (light and durable).
Avoid discs with an open design - they freeze faster and are more difficult to clean.
Is it possible to install headlights from an Infiniti QX60 on a Murano?
Partially yes. Headlights Infiniti QX60 (2022+) are suitable for fastenings, but you will need:
- Replacing power connectors (the wiring is different).
- Settings
BCM(body control unit) for correct operationLED-matrices - System adaptation
ProPILOT Assist, if it is installed.
Cost of work: 40,000–60,000 ₽ (excluding the cost of headlights). The result is a more modern design and better lighting.