Nissan Skyline 2011 (V36): everything you need to know before you buy

Nissan Skyline V36 The 2011 model year is the latest representative of the legendary line, which combines sportiness, premium comfort and time-tested reliability. The car, released on the wave of success of previous generations, became a kind of bridge between classic “skylines” and modern sedans Infiniti (under the brand name of which the model was sold outside Japan as Infiniti G37). In Russia, these cars appeared mainly through parallel imports, which left an imprint on their operating history and current condition on the secondary market.

2011 was the final year for V36 body — in 2013 it was replaced by a new generation (V37), so models of this period are often found with rich equipment and relatively low mileage by Japanese standards. However, they also have their own pitfalls: from the characteristics of the engines VQ37VHR to the nuances of electronics that are important to consider when purchasing. In this guide we will look at unique problems of the 2011 Skyline V36 that are not found in earlier or later versions, and also give practical recommendations on selection and maintenance.

Technical specifications Nissan Skyline 2011 (V36)

Under the hood Skyline V36 2011 hiding atmospheric petrol engine VQ37VHR with a volume of 3.7 liters - one of the most reliable and “pumped” engines in the line Nissan. This unit develops 333 hp (in the all-wheel drive version) and is equipped with a variable valve timing system VVEL, which provides excellent traction at all speeds. Transmission - exceptional 7-speed automatic with a manual shift mode, which is famous for its smoothness, but has a number of “childhood diseases”.

Key parameters of the model:

• 🔧 Engine: VQ37VHR 3.7 l, V6, 333 hp (250 kW)
• 🚗 Drive: rear (RWD) or all-wheel drive (ATTESA E-TS)
• ⚙️ Box: 7-speed automatic JR710E
• 💨 Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.6 sec (all-wheel drive version)
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: 12–14 l/100 km (city), 8–9 l/100 km (highway)

Parameter	Skyline 370GT (RWD)	Skyline 370GT Type P (AWD)
Power, hp	320	333
Torque, Nm	363	366
Max. speed, km/h	250 (limited)	250 (limited)
Weight, kg	1,680	1,750

Feature Skyline V36 — all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which in normal mode transmits 100% of the torque to the rear axle, and when slipping connects the front. This makes the car extremely controllable on slippery surfaces, but adds complexity to maintenance: e.g. rear axle differential requires regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km), which many owners ignore.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Skyline V36 2011 has several “diseases” that appear after 100–150 thousand kilometers. The main ones are related to gearbox And electronics. For example, owners often encounter jerky when changing gears when cold - this is a sign of wear on the solenoids or the automatic transmission oil pump. The solution is to change the oil in the box (original Nissan Matic-S) and adaptation of solenoids via a diagnostic scanner.

Other common problems:

• ⚡ Electronics: failures of throttle position sensors (ETCS), malfunctions of the multimedia system Bose (especially after replacing the battery).
• 🔥 Engine: oil leakage through the valve cover (solved by replacing gaskets and bolts), wear of the timing chain (on runs over 200 thousand km).
• 🛞 Suspension: rapid wear of the stabilizer bushings and silent blocks of the rear multi-link (lifetime - 50–70 thousand km).
• 💧 Body: corrosion of sills and arches (even on Japanese cars due to reagents), peeling of chrome on door handles.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic knock when starting the engine, which disappears after 2-3 seconds, this is a sign of wear. hydraulic compensators. On VQ37VHR replacing them requires removing the valve covers and costs from 30 thousand rubles in service.

Deserves special attention starting system: on cars with mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the starter often fails (symptom - clicks without cranking the crankshaft). The original starter is expensive (about 40 thousand rubles), but you can install an analogue from Denso with catalog number 28000-4M000 - it is cheaper and has the same resource.

What to do if Skyline does not start after washing?

A common problem is water getting into the fuse box under the hood (located next to the battery). Symptoms: power windows do not work, the alarm system fails, the engine does not respond to the key. Solution: remove the block, dry it with a hairdryer and treat the contacts WD-40 Contact Cleaner.

Options and options: what to look for in the secondary market

In 2011 Nissan Skyline V36 offered in three main trim levels for the Japanese market:

1. 370GT: basic version with rear-wheel drive, leather interior and 18-inch wheels.
2. 370GT Type P: all-wheel drive modification with improved suspension, system VDC (stability control) and heated leather seats.
3. 370GT Type SP: “charged” version with sports suspension, 19-inch wheels Ray, brakes Brembo and unique interior trim.

On the secondary market in Russia most often found Type P - they are considered the most balanced option. When choosing, pay attention to the presence of the following options (they significantly increase the comfort and resale value of the car):

• 🎵 Bose audio system: 10 speakers with subwoofer and support Bluetooth (in earlier versions it is not there!).
• 🔥 Heated steering wheel: a rare option that is found only in top trim levels.
• 🚘 360° camera: system Around View Monitor with parking sensors (relevant for the city).
• 🔋 AGM battery: The original battery lasts 5–6 years, but replacing it costs 15–20 thousand rubles.

Cost Skyline V36 2011 to date ranges from 1.2 to 2.5 million rubles, depending on mileage and condition. Cars with a mileage of up to 100 thousand km (which is considered “new” in Japan) cost 30–40% more than the market average. At the same time cars with a history of service in official Nissan or Infiniti services lose value 15–20% slowerthan those repaired by “garage” craftsmen.

Use a scanner to diagnose the box for errors (especially codes P0730, P0740)

Check the oil level in the differential (they often forget to change it)

Inspect the timing chain for tension (with mileage >180 thousand km)

Test drive when cold (automatic transmission jerking is a sign of problems)

Call an electrician (especially fuses F30 and F31 in the block under the hood)

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Maintenance and consumables: how much does it cost to maintain Skyline

Contents Nissan Skyline V36 costs more than mass-produced sedans like Teana or Almera, but cheaper than premium German analogues. The main expense items are automatic transmission oil (original Nissan Matic-S costs about 6 thousand rubles for 4 liters) and brake pads (front Brembo will cost 15–20 thousand rubles per set). The maintenance schedule provides for changing the engine oil every 10 thousand km, but many owners increase the interval to 15 thousand km when using synthetics Mobil 1 5W-40.

Approximate prices for consumables and work (in Moscow, 2026):

Service/Part	Cost, ₽	Frequency
Changing engine oil (5W-40, filter)	8,000–12,000	10–15 thousand km
Automatic transmission oil change (partial)	12,000–18,000	60 thousand km
Replacing brake pads (front)	15,000–25,000	40–60 thousand km
Electronics diagnostics (scanner)	3,000–5,000	When errors occur
Timing chain replacement (kit)	50,000–80,000	200+ thousand km

One of the most expensive repairs is replacement turbines (although VQ37VHR naturally aspirated, some versions for other markets had turbo engines). On Skyline V36 there is no turbine, but after 200 thousand km it may require replacement catalysts (original ones cost 40–50 thousand rubles apiece). Many owners install flame arresters instead, but this entails problems with the ECU firmware and can cause an error P0420.

⚠️ Attention: If, after replacing the battery, the radio or climate control stops working, do not panic - it’s the settings that have gone wrong NATS (immobilizer). To reset, you will need to enter the code through the combination of buttons on the radio (instructions are in the service manual).

Tuning and modifications: what can be improved

Nissan Skyline V36 — an excellent base for tuning, thanks to its durable body and powerful engine. The most popular areas of modifications:

• 🏁 Chip tuning: ECU firmware (for example, from UpRev or EcuTek) allows you to increase power to 360–380 hp. without mechanical modifications.
• 🔊 Exhaust system: replacing the “spider” (collector) with a 4-2-1 and installing a forward flow (for example, HKS Hi-Power) adds 15–20 hp. and improves the sound.
• 🛠️ Suspension: replacing springs with Tein Street Basis or BC Racing reduces ground clearance by 30–40 mm without loss of comfort.
• 🎨 Exterior: spoiler installation from Type SP, headlight tinting (Vinyl) and replacing the radiator grille with a “mesh” one (mesh grille).

However, there are also pitfalls. For example, after installation downpipes (without catalysts) you will have to flash the ECU for Euro-2, otherwise it will catch fire Check Engine. It is also not recommended to install too stiff springs - this leads to rapid wear of the silent blocks of the rear suspension (their replacement costs 25-30 thousand rubles).

For those who want to maintain reliability, but add speakers, the best option is firmware + release. For example, a combination from the firmware EcuTek Stage 1 and exhaust Invidia Q300 gives an increase of 30 hp. and improves the responsiveness of the gas pedal without reducing engine life.

Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose?

On the secondary market Nissan Skyline V36 competes with several models of a similar class:

• 🚗 Infiniti G37: essentially the same Skyline, but with a different logo and a slightly different interior. The advantage is official support in Russia (warranty, spare parts). Disadvantage: the price is 10–15% higher.
• 🏎️ BMW 335i (E90/E92): more dynamic (306 hp), but less reliable (problems with turbines, high oil consumption). Maintenance costs 1.5–2 times more.
• 🔥 Lexus IS350 (XE20): similar in power (311 hp), but with a more reliable gearbox (6-speed automatic). The downside is the boring design and less dynamics.
• 💰 Audi S4 (B8): four-wheel drive Quattro and 333 hp, but complex electronics and expensive maintenance.

Main advantage Skyline V36 before competitors is price/quality/reliability ratio. For example, compared to BMW 335i, the Japanese sedan is 30–40% cheaper to maintain, and its engine VQ37VHR does not have typical problems with turbines or oil flow. At the same time, in terms of acceleration and handling dynamics Skyline not inferior to German analogues.

If you choose between Skyline V36 And Infiniti G37, pay attention to the following nuances:

• 🔧 Spare parts: for Infiniti They are easier to find in official dealers, but they are 20–30% more expensive.
• 💳 Cost: Skyline 10–15% cheaper, but may have a “dark” past (accidents, bad mileage).
• 📄 Documents: customs clearance Skyline is cheaper, but requires checking for restrictions (for example, environmental class).

Legal nuances: customs clearance and registration in Russia

Purchase Nissan Skyline V36 2011 through parallel import is associated with a number of legal subtleties. The main one is environmental class. Cars manufactured before 2012 comply with the standard Euro 4, which allows them to be registered in Russia without problems. However, from 2023, in some regions (for example, in Moscow), there are restrictions for cars over 10 years old - they cannot be used for taxis or commercial activities.

The customs clearance process includes the following steps:

1. Checking the traffic police database for restrictions (via the service Autocode).
2. Payment of customs duties (about 30–50% of the cost of the car, depending on engine size).
3. Receipt PTS And SBCTS (design safety certificate).
4. Registration with the traffic police and passing a technical inspection.

Cost of customs clearance Skyline V36 in 2026 is approximately 200–300 thousand rubles, depending on the customs value of the car. Important: if the car is imported as “personal property” (for example, when moving), duties can be reduced by 50%. However, this will require proof of residence abroad (for example, a residence permit).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline with mileage up to 100 thousand km, check if it is listed in the database Federal Customs Service of Russia as “uncleared”. Such cars can be confiscated, even if the seller has all the documents.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

❓ How long does the timing chain last on VQ37VHR?

Timing chain life on VQ37VHR amounts to 200–250 thousand km, but it is recommended to check its condition every 100 thousand km. Signs of wear: metallic ringing during cold start, floating speed at idle. Replacing a chain with tensioners and stabilizers costs 50–80 thousand rubles (depending on the region).

❓ Is it possible to drive on 92 gasoline?

Officially Nissan recommends AI-98, but many owners fill up the 95 without consequences. The use of 92 gasoline leads to detonation, especially during aggressive driving, and reduces engine life. If there is no alternative, additives can be added (for example, Liqui Moly Oktan Plus), but it’s not worth driving like this all the time.

❓ What is the resource of the JR710E automatic transmission?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60 thousand km) the gearbox JR710E walks 300–400 thousand km. The main enemies of automatic transmissions: overheating (install an additional cooling radiator), aggressive acceleration from a standstill and ignoring jerks when switching. If the box starts to “kick”, first check the oil level and the condition of the solenoids.

❓ Which tires are best for Skyline V36?

Optimal sizes: 225/45 R18 (before) and 245/40 R18 (back). Suitable for summer tires Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or Continental ContiSportContact 5. It's better to choose for winter Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32. Important: due to the wide wheels Skyline prone to hydroplaning on wet roads, so the tread depth should be at least 5 mm.

❓ Is it worth buying Skyline V36 today?

✅ Yes, if: you need a reliable, fast and comfortable sedan with potential for tuning, and you are willing to spend 80–100 thousand rubles a year on maintenance.

❌ No if: you are looking for an economical car or don’t want to bother with customs clearance and finding spare parts.

Alternative: If your budget allows, consider Infiniti Q50 (V37) - it is newer, with a turbo engine and official support in Russia.