Nissan Skyline V36 2010 is one of the most controversial and at the same time iconic models in the line of the Japanese brand. This car became the last representative of the legendary family Skyline sedan before the brand moved into crossovers and electric vehicles. For many car enthusiasts, it is the V36 that remains a symbol of the era - a combination of sporty design, rear-wheel drive and naturally aspirated engines, which are considered a rarity today.

In 2010, the model underwent restyling, receiving updated optics, bumpers and improved interior trim. However, the main changes affected the technical part: new gearboxes, modified suspensions and an expanded list of options appeared. At the same time Skyline V36 has retained its signature philosophy - to be an affordable sports sedan with tuning potential. In this article we will analyze all the key aspects of the model: from engines to typical problems, and also give practical advice on selection and operation.

Technical characteristics of the 2010 Nissan Skyline V36

The 2010 model was offered with three types of engines, two transmissions and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Basic versions were equipped 2.5-liter VR25DE (193 hp), which was considered the most reliable, but not the most dynamic. Top modifications received 3.5 liter VQ35HR (315 hp) - the same engine that was installed on Nissan 350Z And Infiniti G35. Third option - 3.7 liter VQ37VHR (333 hp) - was available only in versions Skyline Coupe And 370GT.

All engines were coupled with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission (in versions with VQ35HR/VQ37VHR — 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode). Four-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS installed optionally on models with motors VQ35HR And VQ37VHR, which made the car more controllable in difficult conditions. The suspension is independent multi-link on all wheels, with adaptive shock absorbers in top trim levels.

  • 🔧 Engines: 2.5 VR25DE (193 hp), 3.5 VQ35HR (315 hp), 3.7 VQ37VHR (333 hp)
  • 🔄 Gearboxes: 6 manual transmission, 5 automatic transmission (for VR25DE), 7 automatic transmission (for VQ35HR/VQ37VHR)
  • 🚗 Drive: rear (standard), full ATTESA E-TS (optional)
  • ⚡ Acceleration 0–100 km/h: from 6.8 s (3.7 VQ37VHR) to 9.2 s (2.5 VR25DE)

An important nuance: models with the VQ35HR/VQ37VHR engine were equipped with a variable valve timing system VVEL, which required more frequent oil changes (every 7–8 thousand km) in order to avoid problems with hydraulic compensators.

Options and equipment

In 2010 Nissan Skyline V36 offered in four main trim levels: 250GT, 350GT, 370GT And Coupe. Basic 250GT included climate control, leather steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system and 17-inch wheels. Version 350GT added to this xenon headlights, system Bose with 10 speakers, electric seats and leather interior trim. Top 370GT featured 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, sports brakes Brembo and a multimedia system with navigation.

It is worth highlighting Skyline Coupe — a two-door version with a shortened wheelbase and a more aggressive design. It was equipped exclusively with a motor VQ37VHR and all-wheel drive, which made it the sportiest in the lineup. Among the options available for all trim levels were: a rear view camera, parking sensors, heated seats for all, and instrument panels with white backlighting (instead of the standard green one).

Equipment Engine Box Drive Features
250GT 2.5 VR25DE 6 manual transmission / 5 automatic transmission Rear Basic version, climate control, 17" wheels
350GT 3.5 VQ35HR 6 manual transmission / 7 automatic transmission Rear/Full Xenon, Bose, leather interior, 18" wheels
370GT 3.7 VQ37VHR 6 manual transmission / 7 automatic transmission Full 19" wheels, Brembo, adaptive suspension
Coupe 3.7 VQ37VHR 6 manual transmission / 7 automatic transmission Full Two-door body, sports tuning
⚠️ Attention: Included 350GT And 370GT with all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS It is recommended to check the condition of the rear differential every 60 thousand km - its failure can cost 150–200 thousand rubles.
📊 Which Skyline V36 engine do you think is the most balanced?
  • 2.5 VR25DE (reliability)
  • 3.5 VQ35HR (dynamics)
  • 3.7 VQ37VHR (maximum power)
  • The engine is not important to me, the main thing is the design

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite its legendary status, Nissan Skyline V36 is not without “diseases”, especially in versions with powerful engines. The main problem is VQ series motors, which, if not properly maintained, are prone to oil leaks and knocking of hydraulic compensators. Owners VQ35HR/VQ37VHR often encounter:

  • 🔥 Overheating due to a clogged radiator or faulty thermostat (especially important for regions with hot climates).
  • 🛢️ Oil leaks through the valve cover gasket and crankshaft seals (it is recommended to check every 30 thousand km).
  • ⚙️ Timing chain wear on runs over 150 thousand km (replacement costs 80–120 thousand rubles).

The second weak point is automatic transmission, especially the 5-speed RE5R05A in basic versions. It is known for jerky shifting and premature wear of the valve body. 7-speed JR710E in top trim levels it is more reliable, but requires regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km). Four-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS can also bring surprises: over time, the clutches and bearings of the rear gearbox wear out.

Other typical problems:

  • 🔋 Electronics: ABS sensor failures, problems with the climate control control unit.
  • 🚪 Paintwork: tendency to chipping and corrosion on arches (especially in northern regions).
  • 🔊 Audio system Bose: failure of the amplifier or speakers over 100 thousand km.
More information about the timing chain in VQ35HR/VQ37VHR

On VQ35HR and VQ37VHR engines, the timing chain is designed for 200–250 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or using low-quality oil, its resource is reduced to 150 thousand km. Signs of wear: metallic knocking on a cold engine, floating speed, error P0011 (valve timing). Replacing a chain with tensioners and stabilizers costs 80–120 thousand rubles, depending on the service station.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Opinions about Nissan Skyline V36 are divided into two camps. Some owners praise the car for dynamics, controllability And exclusivity (there are not many of these cars in Russia), others criticize expensive maintenance And capricious engines. Among the main advantages are:

  • 🏁 Responsive steering with good feedback (especially in versions with all-wheel drive).
  • 🎵 High-quality sound insulation — on the highway the car behaves like a premium sedan.
  • 🔥 Exhaust sound in versions with VQ35HR/VQ37VHR — deep bass at low speeds and a sporty roar at high speeds.

The most often mentioned disadvantages are:

  • 💰 High maintenance costs - original spare parts (for example, brake pads Brembo) are 2–3 times more expensive than analogues for mass models.
  • ⛽ Fuel consumption - in the city VQ35HR consumes 14–16 l/100 km, and VQ37VHR - up to 18 l/100 km.
  • 🔧 Difficulty of repair — not every service takes care of setup VVEL or diagnostics ATTESA E-TS.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline V36 With mileage, be sure to check the service history. Motors VQ35HR/VQ37VHR extremely sensitive to the quality of the oil - if the previous owner filled in semi-synthetic or changed it less than once every 10 thousand km, there is a high risk of hidden problems with the timing belt or piston group.
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Before purchasing, check the car for traces of an accident using the VIN code. Skyline V36 is often bought for tuning, and there are often cases when, after an accident, the car was restored “on the knee,” which subsequently leads to problems with body geometry and suspension.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In 2010 Nissan Skyline V36 competed with such models as Toyota Mark X, Infiniti G35/G37 And Lexus IS 350. Each of them had their own strengths:

  • 🔹 Toyota Mark X (250/350): more reliable, but less dynamic. Engines 2GR-FSE And 3GR-FSE do not require as much attention as VQ, but their power is lower (311 hp versus 333 hp for Skyline 370GT).
  • 🔹 Infiniti G37: essentially the same Skyline, but with a different badge-engineering. The differences are in the design, interior trim and suspension settings (for Infiniti it is softer). Prices for spare parts and service are comparable.
  • 🔹 Lexus IS 350: the most reliable of the three, but also the most “calm”. Engine 2GR-FSE (311 hp) does not require frequent oil changes, and the gearbox AA80E considered one of the most tenacious in the class.

If your priority is reliability and low maintenance costs, then Lexus IS 350 or Toyota Mark X will be the best choice. If it's important to you dynamics, engine sound and tuning potential, then Skyline V36 or Infiniti G37 out of competition. At the same time Skyline wins against Infiniti In terms of exclusivity, significantly fewer of them were sold in Russia.

Parameter Nissan Skyline 370GT Infiniti G37 Lexus IS 350
Power, hp 333 330 311
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s 5.6 5.8 6.0
Average fuel consumption, l/100 km 14.5 14.0 12.5
Maintenance cost (per 100 thousand km), thousand rubles. 450–600 400–550 350–450
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Skyline V36 is the best choice for those who value sporty character and are willing to put up with high maintenance costs. For everyday use, it is more rational to consider the Toyota Mark X or Lexus IS 350.

Tuning and modifications: what can be improved?

Nissan Skyline V36 — an excellent platform for tuning, especially in versions with engines VQ35HR/VQ37VHR. The most popular areas of modifications:

  • 🏎️ Engine:
    • Installation of a “cold” intake (for example, Injen or K&N) - adds 10–15 hp.
    • ECU firmware (for example, UpRev or EcuTek) - allows you to remove up to 350–380 hp. with VQ37VHR.
    • Replacing the exhaust system with a silent one (for example, Fujitsubo or HKS Hi-Power).
  • 🔧 Suspension and brakes:
    • Installation of coilovers (Tein, KW) to reduce ground clearance and improve handling.
    • Replacing brake discs and pads with sports ones (Brembo GT, Endless).
  • 🎨 Exterior:
    • Installation of splitter, diffuser and spoiler (Nismo or Tommy Kaira).
    • Painting in corporate color Midnight Purple or Ultra Yellow (original colors Nismo).

Among the most popular tuning studios working with Skyline V36, Japanese stand out Mine’s, Tommy Kaira And Nismo. The latter offer complete kits for converting a car into Nismo S-Tune, including an aerodynamic body kit, sports suspension and a modified engine.

⚠️ Attention: When installing turbo kits on atmospheric VQ35HR/VQ37VHR It is necessary to strengthen the gearbox and clutch. Stock 7-speed automatic transmission JR710E It is not designed for a torque of more than 450 Nm - its service life is reduced to 50–70 thousand km when the engine is boosted.

Check compression in cylinders|Change oil and filters|Diagnose the gearbox|Install an additional radiator (for chip tuning)|Select a reliable tuner with experience working with VQ engines-->

Market prices and buying tips

On the secondary market in Russia Nissan Skyline V36 2010 can be found in the range from 1.2 to 2.5 million rubles, depending on the configuration, mileage and condition. The cheapest offers are 250GT with a mileage of 150 thousand km (RUB 1.2–1.5 million). Versions 350GT And 370GT with a mileage of up to 100 thousand km they cost 1.8–2.3 million rubles. The most expensive - Skyline Coupe And Nismo-versions, their price can reach up to 3 million rubles.

When choosing, pay attention to:

  • 📝 Service history: availability of receipts and records of oil changes, timing chain, brake pads.
  • 🔍 Body condition: check the arches, sills and bottom for corrosion (especially if the car is from the northern regions).
  • 🔧 Gearbox operation: jerks, delays in switching or noises may indicate an imminent repair.
  • 💨 Exhaust smoke: Blue smoke indicates wear of the oil scraper rings or the turbine (in turbo versions).

Average prices for popular spare parts (new, original):

  • 🔋 Battery — 12–18 thousand rubles.
  • 🛢️ Timing belt kit (chain, tensioners, dampers) - 40-60 thousand rubles.
  • 👟 Brake pads Brembo (front) - 25–35 thousand rubles.
  • 🎵 Speaker Bose — 8–12 thousand rubles. per piece.
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When inspecting, pay attention to the condition of the rubber seals on the doors and trunk. In Skyline V36 they often become tanned and crack, which leads to leaks and corrosion of the thresholds.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2010 Nissan Skyline

❓ Which Skyline V36 engine is the most reliable?

Considered the most reliable 2.5 VR25DE — with timely oil changes (every 10 thousand km), it can easily cover 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. Motors VQ35HR And VQ37VHR more capricious, but with proper maintenance they also last a long time. The main thing is to monitor the timing chain and system VVEL.

❓ Is it possible to drive on 92 gasoline?

The manufacturer officially recommends 95–98 gasoline for all engines Skyline V36. The use of 92 gasoline can lead to detonation, especially on engines VQ35HR/VQ37VHR with a high compression ratio. As a last resort, short-term use of 92 gasoline is allowed, but only for VR25DE and without aggressive driving.

❓ How much does insurance (MTPL/CASCO) cost for Skyline V36?

Cost of MTPL for Nissan Skyline V36 in 2026 is 12–18 thousand rubles. depending on the region and driver experience. CASCO costs 80–150 thousand rubles. per year (full package, franchise 30–50 thousand rubles). The price depends on mileage, equipment and the presence of an alarm/immobilizer.

❓ What oil should I fill in VQ35HR/VQ37VHR?

For engines VQ35HR And VQ37VHR We recommend synthetic oil with a viscosity 5W-40 or 0W-40compliant with standards API SN/ILSAC GF-5. Optimal options:

  • Nissan Strong Save X E 5W-40 (original)
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40
  • Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40

Replacement interval - every 7–8 thousand km (or once a year).

❓ Where is the best place to repair Skyline V36?

For service Nissan Skyline V36 It’s better to choose specialized services that work with premium Japanese cars. In Moscow and St. Petersburg it is:

  • Nissan Premium Service (official dealers, but expensive)
  • Japancar (a network of services specializing in Nissan/Infiniti)
  • GT-R Service (know all the nuances of engines VQ and boxes JR710E)

The cost of a standard hour in such services is: 2.5–4 thousand rubles.