Oil for Nissan Murano Z51 (3.5 V6): volume, selection and replacement without errors

Nissan Murano Z51 with motor VQ35DE (3.5 l) is a reliable crossover, but its durability directly depends on the quality and timeliness of oil changes. Owners often face questions: how many liters to fill, what oil to choose - original Nissan or an analogue, and how to avoid common mistakes when replacing. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of selecting oil for Murano Z51, including official recommendations, alternatives and critical points that are silent about in service manuals.

Engine VQ35DE known for its “gluttony” for oil, especially after 150–200 thousand kilometers. The wrong choice of viscosity or brand can accelerate wear on the timing chain, hydraulic lifters and turbine (on supercharged versions). We analyzed data from service bulletins Nissan, owner reviews and laboratory oil test results to create an up-to-date guide for 2026.

Official Nissan oil requirements for Murano Z51

The manufacturer clearly regulates the oil parameters for Murano Z51 depending on the year of manufacture and operating conditions. Basic requirements:

• 📜 Specification: API SN or ILSAC GF-5 (for models before 2016 allowed SM/GF-4).
• 🔧 Viscosity: 5W-30 - the best option for most regions of Russia. In northern regions (below –30°C) it is allowed 0W-30, in the southern (above +35°C) - 10W-30.
• 🏭 Tolerances: Nissan recommends approved oils Nissan Oil Approval or equivalent in quality.
• ⚠️ Prohibited: oils with viscosity 5W-40 and higher - they worsen the performance of the system VVEL (variable valve lift).

In the manual for Murano Z51 it is indicated that the oil must meet the standard JASO DL-1 (for gasoline engines with catalyst). This ensures low phosphorus and sulfur content, which is critical to the longevity of the catalytic converter. Ignoring this requirement may lead to error light up P0420 (low catalyst efficiency) after 50–80 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: Oils with markings Energy Conserving (energy saving) not suitable for Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km. They contain friction modifiers that accelerate wear in older engines by thinning the oil film.

Oil volume in the VQ35DE engine: how much to fill?

Official oil volume for Nissan Murano Z51 (3.5 V6) is 4.8 liters with a complete replacement with replacement of the oil filter. However, in practice this indicator may vary:

Replacement conditions	Oil volume, l	Notes
Standard replacement (no flushing)	4.5–4.7	Residue (~200–300 ml) remains in the system
Complete replacement with flushing	5.0–5.2	Required to remove deposits after using low-quality oil
Replacement after major overhaul	5.3–5.5	Takes into account the filling of new channels and filters
Express replacement (vacuum)	4.2–4.4	Not recommended for VQ35DE due to the risk of leaving sediment

It is important to consider that when changing the oil in Murano Z51 you need to fill it according to the marks on the dipstick, and not focus only on numbers. Overfilling by more than 300 ml may cause the oil to foam and damage the crankshaft seals. Underfilling (less than 4.2 liters) can result in oil starvation during sharp turns or climbs.

After changing the oil, be sure to check its level after 5-10 minutes of running the engine at idle speed. This is due to the peculiarity of the lubrication system VQ35DE, where some of the oil remains in the hydraulic compensators and timing chain.

Original Nissan oil vs analogues: which is better?

Nissan offers two options of original oil for Murano Z51:

1. Nissan Motor Oil 5W-30 (KE900-90132) - synthetic oil that meets specifications GF-5. Suitable for all climatic zones of Russia.
2. Nissan Genuine Oil 0W-20 (KE900-90135) — energy-saving oil for new engines (up to 100 thousand km). Not recommended for Murano Z51 with mileage.

Cost of original oil Nissan starts from 3,500 rubles for a 5-liter canister, which makes it one of the most expensive options. However, analyzes show that it is superior to many analogues in terms of base number (TBN) and oxidation resistance.

If you choose an alternative, consider the following brands that have passed compatibility tests: VQ35DE:

• 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — the optimal choice for turbocharged versions. Contains an additive package Low SAPS, protecting the catalyst.
• 🛢️ Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 — recommended for engines with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km due to the high content of detergent additives.
• 🛢️ Castrol Edge Professional LL 5W-30 - used in official services Nissan as a replacement for the original.
• 🛢️ Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 — Japanese oil with improved anti-friction properties.

⚠️ Attention: Oils 5W-40 (For example, Motul 8100 X-Cess or Shell Helix Ultra) are absolutely not suitable for Murano Z51. They cause increased wear on the timing chain due to insufficient fluidity during cold starts.

Why can't you mix oils from different brands?

Mixing oils with different additive packages (for example, Nissan And Liqui Moly) can cause sediment to form, which will clog the oil passages. It is especially dangerous to mix mineral and synthetic oils - this causes coagulation (clotting) of the additives. If you had to add another oil, it is recommended to make a complete change as soon as possible.

Oil change intervals: when to change?

Official regulations Nissan provides for oil change Murano Z51 every 15,000 km or once a year. However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions:

• 🌡️ Ambient temperature from –20°C to +30°C.
• 🛣️ Mileage mainly on the highway (more than 70% of the total).
• 🚗 Lack of frequent cold starts and short trips.

In real conditions (city traffic, frost, dusty roads), the replacement interval should be reduced:

Operating conditions	Recommended interval, km
Mostly city (traffic jams, short trips)	8 000–10 000
Extreme temperatures (below –30°C or above +35°C)	10 000–12 000
Dusty roads, off-road	7 000–9 000
Using a trailer or transporting heavy loads	9 000–11 000

The critical indicator for changing the oil is not only mileage, but also engine hours. For Murano Z51 It is recommended to change the oil every 200–250 operating hours. For urban use, this corresponds to approximately 8–10 thousand km, since the average speed in traffic jams is 20–25 km/h.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil

Changing the oil in Nissan Murano Z51 does not require special skills, but there are several nuances that are often missed:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60-70°C), but do not overheat - hot oil can burn.
2. Unscrew the drain plug (14mm wrench) and let the oil drain for 15-20 minutes. B VQ35DE The drain hole is not located at the lowest point of the pan, so some of the oil (~200 ml) remains.
3. Replace the oil filter. Original filter - 15208-9F600 (or analogues Mann W712/94, Framm PH7317). Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
4. Tighten the drain plug with the moment 35–40 Nm. Over-tightening can damage the threads in the aluminum pan.
5. Add oil in portions 0.5 l each, checking the level with a dipstick. After filling 4.5 liters, allow the oil to spread throughout the system (5 minutes) and add to the mark MAX.
6. Start the engine for 1–2 minutes, then check the level and absence of leaks.

Pay special attention oil filter. B Murano Z51 it is located in an inconvenient place - on top of the engine, and its replacement requires removing the protection (on some versions). Using a non-original low quality filter may result in broken thread on the cylinder block fitting — repairs will cost 15–20 thousand rubles.

Typical mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that reduce engine life. VQ35DE. Let's look at the most common ones:

• 🔧 Use of oil 5W-40 or 10W-40 — leads to increased wear of the timing chain and hydraulic compensators. Symptoms: noise during cold start, error P0011 (displacement of valve timing).
• 🕳️ Not adding enough oil (less than 4.2 l) - causes oil starvation in the upper part of the engine, especially in hot weather. Consequences: scuffing on camshafts, wear of rockers.
• 🔥 Oil overflow (more than 5.0 l) - leads to foaming and loss of lubricating properties. Signs: leaks through the seals, increased pressure in the system.
• 🔄 Mixing oils of different brands - may cause sediment to form, which will clog the oil passages. It is especially dangerous to mix mineral and synthetic oils.
• ⏳ Exceeding the replacement interval (more than 15 thousand km) - leads to coking of the piston rings and a decrease in compression. On VQ35DE this manifests itself as oil wastage (consumption of more than 1 liter per 1,000 km).

One of the most dangerous mistakes is ignoring the condition of the oil filter. B Murano Z51 The filter has a check valve that prevents oil from draining from the system after the engine is stopped. If the valve is faulty, each time you start the engine will run for the first 2-3 seconds without oil, which leads to accelerated wear on the turbine (on supercharged versions) and crankshaft liners.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to use oil 0W-20 in Murano Z51 with mileage of 200 thousand km?

No, oil 0W-20 too fluid for a worn engine. It will not provide sufficient protection to the crankshaft and camshaft bearings. The optimal choice for such a mileage is 5W-30 with a high content of additives (for example, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech).

Which oil filter is better - original or analogue?

Original filter 15208-9F600 is preferred as it has optimal flow capacity and a high-quality check valve. Recommended among analogues Mann W712/94 or Framm PH7317 - they are certified for use in Nissan and have similar characteristics.

What to do if the light comes on after changing the oil Check Engine?

If the error appears immediately after replacement, the most likely reasons are:

1. The oil filter is not installed correctly (not tightened or skewed).
2. Oil used that does not meet specifications GF-5.
3. Air entering the lubrication system (you need to turn off the engine for 5-10 minutes and restart).

Treat the error to the scanner (e.g. ELM327) - if this P0520 (faulty oil pressure sensor), check the oil level and quality.

How much oil is lost “to waste” is normal for VQ35DE?

For engine VQ35DE with a mileage of up to 150 thousand km, normal oil consumption is up to 300 ml per 1,000 km. After 150 thousand km this figure may increase to 500 ml/1,000 km. If consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1,000 km, diagnostics are required (compression measurement, checking valve seals).

Is it possible to drive on oil for longer than 15 thousand km if it still looks clean?

No, even if the oil is visually light, its additives have already degraded by this time. B VQ35DE Detergent and antioxidant additives are destroyed especially quickly, which leads to the formation of varnish deposits on pistons and valves. Laboratory tests show that after 15 thousand km the oil loses up to 60% of its protective properties.