Buying a crossover Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) is a choice in favor of comfort and style rather than sporty dynamics. Many car enthusiasts view this car as a "mobile sofa" capable of absorbing highway miles with incredible smoothness. However, behind the external attractiveness and rich equipment, there are nuances of operation that dealers are silent about.
Owners often note that reliability of units directly depends on the service history. The used car market is flooded with examples that have been subjected to the rigors of taxi or commercial use. Therefore, when studying reviews on Nissan Murano Z51 It is necessary to separate emotions from real technical facts in order not to become a victim of marketing.
VQ35DE engine: power and its vulnerabilities
The heart of most Z51 models is the legendary gasoline engine VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters. This powerplant has earned a reputation as one of the best engines in the world thanks to its high power and responsiveness. Owners often praise it for its low-end traction and ability to easily propel the heavy crossover to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds.
However, this coin has a flip side. The engine is extremely sensitive to oil quality and oil change intervals. If you skip routine maintenance, the risk of scoring in the cylinders increases many times over. Cooling system also requires close attention, as overheating can lead to deformation of the cylinder head. Some owners are faced with the problem of timing chain stretching already at 150,000 km, which requires serious repairs.
It is important to understand that the motor does not forgive extreme loads without pre-warming. In winter, it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature before driving, otherwise the wear of the piston group will be irreversible.
- π§ Regular oil changes every 7,000β8,000 km are the key to engine longevity.
- βοΈ Using original spark plugs prevents misfires.
- π‘οΈ Antifreeze temperature control is mandatory, especially during the hot season.
β οΈ Attention: Do not ignore extraneous noise from the engine. The knocking of hydraulic compensators or the metallic ringing of a chain are the first signals that immediate diagnostics are required, otherwise the repair will result in replacing the entire motor.
For those planning long trips, it is worth considering that fuel consumption in the urban cycle it can reach 16β18 liters per 100 km. This is a payment for the power and weight of the car. On the highway during quiet driving, consumption drops to 10β11 liters, which is a good indicator for this class.
Jatco CVT: the main stumbling block
Car transmission Nissan Murano Z51 is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) manufactured by Jatco. Many potential buyers postpone their purchase precisely because of myths about the unreliability of this gearbox. The reality is this: CVTs in this series, with proper care, can travel more than 200,000 km, but they absolutely cannot tolerate aggressive driving and overheating.
The key problem is the cooling system of the torque converter and the variator itself. In traffic jams and frequent stops, the oil overheats, losing its properties. This leads to belt slippage and vibration during acceleration. Oil in the variator it is necessary to change every 40,000 km, and a complete replacement with flushing is preferable to a partial one.
If you feel jerking or delay when changing gears, this is a sure sign that the gearbox is nearing the end of its life. Ignoring these symptoms will result in the need to replace the entire unit, which is an expensive procedure. When purchasing a used unit, be sure to check the CVT's service history and oil change records.
- π’οΈ Strictly use only original NS-2 oil or certified analogues.
- π« Avoid slipping and sudden starts from traffic lights, the variator does not like them.
- βοΈ In hot weather, use additional cooling radiators for the gearbox.
β οΈ Warning: Do not attempt to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. CVT on Nissan Murano Z51 not designed for heavy loads and may cause immediate failure.
- Excellent
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- Mediocre
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Suspension and handling: comfort or compromise?
The crossover suspension is tuned exclusively for comfort. It perfectly absorbs small bumps and potholes, creating the effect of floating above the road. However, such softness comes at a price - controllability the car becomes βcottonβ. There is significant body roll when cornering, which requires increased caution from the driver.
The electronic stability control works well, but it often kicks in too late to prevent loss of control on ice or wet pavement. Owners often note that the car is prone to understeer, especially when the trunk is loaded. For city driving this is not a problem, but on the highway with an active driving style it can become a risk factor.
The service life of the suspension elements is quite high, but due to the heavy weight of the car, silent blocks and shock absorbers require replacement more often than on passenger sedans. The front arms often become deformed when hitting a curb. Rear multi-link is also sensitive to the quality of roads and requires regular diagnostics of ball joints.
- π£οΈ Avoid sudden maneuvers at high speeds due to high body roll.
- π Check the condition of the levers after off-road driving.
- π Change shock absorbers as a set to maintain suspension balance.
To improve handling in winter, install wheels with a stiffer cord, but remember that this will reduce driving comfort on bad roads.
Interior and electronics: ergonomics and reliability
Interior Nissan Murano Z51 made using high-quality materials, which pleases the tactile sensations of passengers. The seats have pronounced lateral support and a massage function, which makes long trips pleasant. However, the ergonomics of some elements cause complaints among owners.
The instrument panel may be difficult to read in bright sunlight due to glare on the glass. The multimedia system, although equipped with navigation, is slow and often freezes. Climate control It works effectively, but the touch control buttons sometimes refuse to respond to presses in cold weather.
Particular attention should be paid to sound insulation. At speeds above 110 km/h, there is considerable wind and tire noise, which fatigues the driver. Manufacturers saved on sound insulation of arches and doors, which is a common problem for crossovers in this class.
- π΅ The Bose sound system provides excellent music quality, but requires adjustment.
- π‘οΈ Climate control may not work correctly if the interior temperature sensor is dirty.
- π± Itβs better not to use multimedia for real-time navigation; a phone is better.
β οΈ Warning: Do not leave electronics unattended on a hot day. Overheating of the multimedia control unit can lead to its complete failure, and repairs are very expensive.
What to do if the multimedia screen freezes?
Try rebooting the system by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 10 minutes. If this does not help, you will need to reflash or replace the unit.
Body and corrosion: myths and reality
Body Nissan Murano Z51 has galvanized elements, but this does not guarantee complete protection against corrosion. Varnish and paint are often of insufficient thickness, which leads to chipping and subsequent rotting. Thresholds, arches and the bottom of doors are especially vulnerable.
Owners who operate their vehicles in regions with reagents note the appearance of rust within 3β4 years of operation. Corrosion often begins on the inside of the thresholds, which is difficult to notice during external inspection. Therefore, regular anti-corrosion treatment is necessary to maintain its appearance.
It is also worth checking the condition of the paintwork on the hood and roof. Solar radiation can cause paint to fade and cracks in the varnish. If you plan to sell the car in the future, the condition of the body will be a determining factor in its value.
- π‘οΈ Be sure to apply a protective layer of wax or ceramics once every six months.
- π Wash your car more often, especially after driving on salty roads.
- π¦ Conduct a thorough inspection of hidden body cavities once a year.
Summary table of technical characteristics
For a visual comparison of the main parameters and problem areas, we present to your attention a table based on an analysis of many reviews from owners.
| Parameter | Meaning | Problem area | Resource (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine VQ35DE | 234 hp | Seizure of cylinders, timing chain | 250 000 |
| Gearbox | CVT Jatco | Overheating, belt wear | 180 000 |
| Suspension | Front/Rear independent | Silent blocks, shock absorbers | 100 000 |
| Fuel consumption (city) | 16β18 l/100 km | High consumption | β |
| Body | Galvanized | Thresholds, arches, chips | 150 000+ |
βοΈ Checklist before purchasing Murano Z51
Final recommendations for selection and operation
Choosing Nissan Murano Z51, you are betting on comfort and status, rather than on sporty dynamics or low cost of service. This is a car for those who value a soft ride and a spacious interior. However, be prepared for high fuel and transmission repair costs.
When purchasing, be sure to conduct a complete diagnosis from independent specialists. Don't believe salespeople who claim the car has "never broken down." Itβs better to overpay for a proven copy than to later invest huge amounts of money in restoring units. Service history must be documented.
If you are ready for regular maintenance and careful attention to your car, Nissan Murano will be an excellent family companion. The main thing is to remember that the reliability of this crossover depends entirely on you. Timely replacement of fluids and careful driving will extend the life of the car for years.
- β Look for copies with a full package of documents and maintenance history.
- π« Avoid cars after taxi or commercial use.
- π§ Find a trusted technician who specializes in Nissan.
β οΈ Attention: Never skimp on diagnostics before purchasing. The cost of a professional inspection is not comparable to the cost of repairing an engine or CVT if they are hidden.
The Nissan Murano Z51 is an excellent choice for comfortable trips, but it requires strict adherence to maintenance regulations and careful attention to the condition of the variator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the real service life of the VQ35DE engine on the Murano Z51?
Subject to timely oil changes and high-quality fuel, the engine life can exceed 300,000 km. However, without proper care, problems with scuffing can occur as early as 150,000 km.
Can I tow a trailer with a Nissan Murano Z51?
Technically the car has a towing device, but the CVT is not designed for heavy loads. It is recommended to tow a trailer weighing no more than 750 kg and only in quiet driving mode.
How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?
The official regulations say replacement every 60,000 km, but experienced owners and mechanics recommend changing the oil every 40,000 km to extend the life of the gearbox.
Weak points of the Murano Z51 suspension?
The most common failures are front control arms, rear shock absorbers and silent blocks. It is also worth paying attention to ball joints, which may require replacement ahead of schedule.
How reliable are electronics and multimedia?
Electronics are generally reliable, but the infotainment system can be slow. Problems more often arise with sensors and climate control in winter due to temperature changes.