Nissan Murano Z51 (2015-2020): how much oil is in the engine and how to change it correctly

Owners Nissan Murano third generation (body Z51, 2015-2020) are often faced with the question: how much oil does an engine need to change? The answer depends on the type of power unit, operating conditions and even the climatic characteristics of the region. In this article we will analyze not only the exact volumes of oil for Murano Z51, but also the nuances of choosing lubricants, replacement frequency, as well as step-by-step instructions for an independent procedure.

Feature Murano Z51 - it's atmospheric V6 3.5 (QR25DE), which, with proper maintenance, can travel more than 300,000 km without major repairs. However, many car owners make a critical mistake: they focus on the total volume of oil indicated in the manual, without taking into account that when replacing with a filter, 0.3-0.5 liters more is required. We will tell you how to avoid underfilling or overfilling, which are equally harmful to the engine.

Nissan Murano Z51 Engine Specifications

Under the hood Murano Z51 a single gasoline engine was installed - V6 3.5 l (QR25DE) 260 hp This engine is known for its reliability, but is demanding on the quality of the oil and the regularity of its replacement. Main parameters:

• 🔧 Engine type: petrol, naturally aspirated, V-shaped, 6 cylinders
• 📏 Volume: 3498 cm³
• ⚙️ Power system: distributed injection (MPI)
• 💨 Max. torque: 328 Nm at 4400 rpm
• 🛢️ Recommended oil viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-20 (depending on climate)

Engine QR25DE equipped with variable valve timing system CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control), which places increased demands on the stability of the oil film. The use of oils with insufficient viscosity or low quality leads to accelerated wear of the timing chain and hydraulic compensators.

Important: Nissan Murano Z51 with all-wheel drive (Intelligent AWD) has a slightly different oil cooling system, but this does not affect its volume. But it affects the frequency of replacement - when used in difficult conditions (towing, off-road), the interval is reduced by 30%.

How much oil to fill in the Nissan Murano Z51 engine

Official manual Nissan indicates that the total volume of oil in the engine lubrication system QR25DE amounts to 5.4 liters. However, this value is only relevant for “dry” filling (for example, after a major overhaul). For a standard filter replacement you will need:

Replacement type	Oil volume (l)	Notes
Partial replacement (without filter)	4.8–5.0	Not recommended - remnants of old oil will mix with new oil
Full replacement (with filter)	5.1–5.2	The best option for most cases
Replacement with flushing	5.4 + 0.5 for flushing	Required when changing oil type or after repairs
Express replacement (vacuum)	4.5–4.7	~0.5 liters of old oil remains in the pan

Key point: after pouring 5.1 l you need to start the engine, let it run for 2-3 minutes, then turn it off and after 5 minutes check the level on the dipstick. Add oil to the mark FULL on the dipstick it is necessary in small portions (50-100 ml), since overflowing is fraught with increased pressure and leaks through the seals.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the level on the dipstick is above the mark FULL more than 5 mm, immediately drain the excess through the drain plug. Overfilling by 0.3 liters increases the load on the oil pump and can lead to oil foaming.

What oil to fill in Nissan Murano Z51: manufacturer's recommendations

Nissan recommends using oils that meet the standard API SN or ILSAC GF-5. For Russian conditions, the following are considered optimal:

• 🌡️ 5W-30 — universal option for most regions (from -30°C to +35°C)
• ❄️ 0W-20 — for cold climatic zones (Siberia, Far East) or operation at temperatures below -35°C
• 🔥 5W-40 — for hot climates or difficult conditions (towing, off-road)

Among the trusted brands are the owners Murano Z51 give preference:

• 🛢️ Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (original, article KE900-90132)
• 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (suitable for engines with CVTC)
• 🛢️ Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 (Japanese quality, low waste)
• 🛢️ Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 (German formula for long intervals)

Important: oils with viscosity 0W-20 provide better cold starts, but burn out faster under high loads. If you often travel with a trailer or in mountainous areas, it is better to stop at 5W-30 or 5W-40.

When to change oil in Nissan Murano Z51: intervals and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan requires oil changes every 15,000 km or once a year (whichever comes first). However, for Russian realities these figures are too optimistic. Experts recommend reducing the interval to:

• 🚗 10,000 km — with a mixed cycle (city/highway)
• 🏙️ 8,000 km — when operating mainly in the city (frequent traffic jams, short trips)
• 🏔️ 7,000 km — under difficult conditions (towing, off-road, extreme temperatures)

Signs that the oil requires urgent replacement:

• 🔴 Darkening of the oil on the dipstick (the color is close to black)
• 🔴 The appearance of metal shavings or sediment on the oil filler cap
• 🔴Increased oil consumption (more than 300 ml per 1000 km)
• 🔴 Extraneous noise in the engine (knock of hydraulic compensators, timing chains)
• 🔴 The oil pressure lamp comes on at idle speed

If you ignore these symptoms, the consequences can be critical: from turbine wear (on versions with Hybrid) until the crankshaft liners rotate. It is especially dangerous to drive with old oil in hot weather - at temperatures above +30°C it loses its viscosity and ceases to protect parts from dry friction.

What happens if you exceed the oil change interval?

When the interval is exceeded by more than 5,000 km, oxidation products and metal shavings accumulate in the oil, which clog the oil channels. This leads to oil starvation of the upper part of the engine (camshafts, hydraulic compensators) and accelerated wear of the timing chain. In critical cases, the chain may break and the valves meet the pistons, which will require major repairs (cost from 250,000 rubles).

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in Nissan Murano Z51

To change the oil yourself you will need:

• 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug)
• 🔧 Oil filter puller (or chain wrench)
• 🛢️ 6 liters of oil (with reserve for topping up)
• 🛢️ New oil filter (original 15208-9E00A or analogues Mann W719/45, Framm PH7317)
• 🧰 Funnel and container for working out (minimum 6 l)
• 🧤 Gloves and rags

Replacement process:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-7 minutes at idle). Hot oil drains better.
2. Raise the car on a lift or overpass. An alternative is a jack with stops (but this is less safe).
3. Drain the old oil:
   • Unscrew the drain plug with a 14 mm wrench.
   • Place the container and wait until it drains completely (10-15 minutes).
   • Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (11026-01M02).
4. Replace oil filter:
   • Use a puller to unscrew the old filter (it is located to the right of the pan).
   • Lubricate the rubber ring of the new filter with fresh oil.
   • Screw the filter in by hand until it stops, then tighten it 3/4 of a turn.
5. Fill with new oil:
   • Pour 4.8 liters of oil through the oil filler neck.
   • Run the engine for 2-3 minutes, then top up to the level FULL.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil, reset the maintenance counter in the on-board computer. To do this:

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press the gas pedal all the way and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Release the pedal and turn off the ignition. The counter will reset to zero.

If the counter is not reset, the system may prematurely signal the need for replacement.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that reduce engine life. Here are the most common:

• 🔧 Using the wrong filter. Filters from Nissan Almera or X-Trail may not fit the thread or throughput. Always check the article number.
• 🛢️ Mixing oils of different brands or viscosities. This leads to stratification of additives and loss of protective properties. If you need to add oil, use the same brand and viscosity.
• 🔩 Tightening the drain plug. Tightening torque - 25 Nm. Excess leads to thread failure in the pan (repair will cost 15,000–20,000 rubles).
• 🧹 Ignoring flushing when changing oil type. For example, when moving from 5W-40 on 0W-20 be sure to use flushing oil (Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung).
• 📉 Underfilling or overfilling of oil. The optimal level is between the marks MIN And MAX on the dipstick. Check the level on a level surface 5 minutes after stopping the engine.

Another typical problem is the use of counterfeit oils. According to NIIAT, up to 30% of motor oils on the Russian market are fakes. To avoid buying counterfeit goods:

• 🛒 Buy oil only in trusted stores (official dealers, Exist.ru, Autodoc).
• 📦 Check the packaging: on original canisters Nissan or Mobil 1 There are holograms and unique codes for checking on the site.
• 💧 Compare the color and consistency of the oil. Counterfeits often have a strong chemical smell and a more liquid structure.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I use 5W-40 oil instead of 5W-30 in Nissan Murano Z51?

Yes, but only in hot climates or under heavy loads (such as towing a trailer). Oil 5W-40 has a higher viscosity at operating temperatures, which improves engine protection, but may slightly increase fuel consumption (by 1-2%). In frosts below -25°C it is better to adhere to 5W-30 or 0W-20.

How often should you check the oil level in Murano Z51?

It is recommended to check the level every 1,000 km or before a long trip. It is especially important to do this when operating in the city or under high loads. The level is checked on a warm engine 5 minutes after stopping. Normal oil consumption for QR25DE - up to 300 ml per 1,000 km. If the consumption is higher, diagnostics are required (leaks or wear of the oil scraper rings are possible).

What kind of oil was filled from the factory in the Nissan Murano Z51?

From factory to engine QR25DE original oil is poured Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (article KE900-90132). This is a fully synthetic oil with a package of additives optimized to work with the system CVTC. During the first change (after break-in), it is recommended to use the same oil or its equivalent from a trusted manufacturer (for example, Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30).

What should I do if the pressure light comes on after changing the oil?

If the oil pressure light comes on after replacement, the following reasons are possible:

1. Insufficient oil level (add to the mark FULL).
2. Faulty oil filter (check if it is leaking).
3. Clogged oil passage or faulty pressure sensor.
4. Using oil of the wrong viscosity (too thin for high temperatures).

If the light flashes at idle, stop the engine immediately and check the level. Continued use may result in oil starvation and engine damage.

Is it possible to change the oil in a Murano Z51 yourself without a pit or lift?

Theoretically yes, but it is extremely inconvenient. Murano Z51 has a low ground clearance (180 mm), so even when lifted on a jack, access to the drain plug and filter is limited. Alternative ways:

• Use vacuum pump to pump out oil through the dipstick (but ~0.5 liters of old oil will remain in the pan).
• Raise the car ring (special ramps for oil changes).
• Contact a service center that has a lift (the cost of the work is 800–1,500 rubles).

When replacing it yourself without a lift, there is a high risk of underfilling or spilling oil on the suspension elements.