Owners Nissan Terrano with 2 liter petrol engine MR20DE (140 hp) are often faced with the question: how much oil is required for a complete change? Official manufacturer data does not always take into account nuances - for example, the residual volume in the system after draining or the features of the filters. In this article we will analyze exact numbers for different conditions, suitable brands of oils and critical errors that reduce engine life.

Engine MR20DE installed on Terrano from 2014 to 2020 (restyled versions inclusive). Its design places specific requirements on lubricants - especially if the machine is operated in conditions city traffic jams or extreme temperatures. We analyzed data from manuals, reports from service centers and the experience of owners to give a clear answer: with a complete replacement with flushing of the system, 4.8–5.1 liters of oil will be required, without flushing - 4.3–4.5 liters.

But why such a spread? The fact is that the volume depends on:

  • 🔧 Replacement method (vacuum suction vs. draining through a plug).
  • 🛢️ Oil filter type (original Nissan 15208-9F60A vs. analogues).
  • 🌡️ Engine temperatures during draining (hot oil flows out more completely).
  • 🔄 Presence of residual oil in channels and pan.

Next are detailed tables, viscosity recommendations and step-by-step instructions for those who plan to change the oil themselves.

Official data: how much oil is in the Nissan Terrano 2.0 engine

According to the factory manual Nissan Terrano (engine code MR20DE), total oil volume in the system amounts to 4.8 liters. However, this value is only relevant for dry engine (for example, after a major renovation). In real conditions, when replacing, some of the oil remains in:

  • 🔹 Oil channels of the cylinder block.
  • 🔹 Pallet (about 100-150 ml).
  • 🔹 Oil filter (up to 200 ml).

Therefore, in practice, owners require less oil. Here are the exact numbers from the service bulletins Nissan:

Replacement type Oil volume, l Notes
Partial replacement (draining through the plug) 4.3–4.5 Without flushing the system, with filter replacement
Complete replacement (vacuum suction) 4.6–4.8 Up to 95% of old oil is removed
Replacement with flushing 4.8–5.1 Includes volume of flushing fluid
After repair (dry engine) 4.8 According to factory standard

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a non-original oil filter (such as Mann W712/94 or Framm PH7317), its capacity may differ from the standard one by ±50 ml. This affects the final oil level in the system.

📊 How often do you change the oil in your Nissan Terrano?
  • Every 7,500 km
  • Every 10,000 km
  • Every 15,000 km
  • According to oil condition
  • Less than once a year

What oil to fill: recommendations on viscosity and brands

Manufacturer Nissan recommends for MR20DE oils with approval API SN or ILSAC GF-5. However, viscosity depends on climatic conditions:

Temperature Recommended viscosity Examples of suitable oils
From −30°C to +25°C 0W-20 Nissan Strong Save X 0W-20, Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W-20
From −20°C to +35°C 5W-30 Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30, Castrol Edge 5W-30
From −10°C to +40°C 5W-40 Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40

🔹 For most regions of Russia the optimal choice would be 5W-30 — it provides reliable starting in winter and sufficient protection in summer. If the machine is operated in hot climate (for example, in the Krasnodar region), it is better to use 5W-40.

⚠️ Attention: Oils with viscosity 0W-20 recommended for new engines (up to 100 thousand km). After this run they can call oil waste due to increased clearances in the piston group.

Owners among brands Terrano most often chosen:

  • 🏆 Original oil: Nissan Strong Save X (article KE900-90132 for 5W-30).
  • 💎 Premium segment: Mobil 1 FS X1 5W-30, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.
  • 💰 Budget option: Shell Helix HX8 5W-30, Total Quartz 9000 5W-30.
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Before purchasing oil, check its authenticity through the brand’s official services (for example, Mobil Oil Check). Counterfeit oils often cause premature wear of the turbine (if installed).

Step-by-step instructions: how to change the oil yourself

Changing the oil in Nissan Terrano 2.0 does not require special skills, but it is important to follow the sequence of actions. You will need:

  • 🔧 Key on 14 mm (for drain plug).
  • 🛠️ Oil filter puller (for example, chain wrench).
  • 🛢️ Funnel and container for working out (minimum 5 l).
  • 🧤 Gloves and rags.

🔹 Step 1. Warm up the engine

Start the engine and let it run for 3-5 minutes. Hot oil drains faster and more completely. Don't overheat — the oil temperature should not exceed 60°C (can be checked through a diagnostic scanner or by touch).

🔹 Step 2. Drain waste

  1. Place a container under the drain plug (it is located on the pan, closer to the rear of the engine).
  2. Unscrew the plug with the key to 14 mm and wait for complete drainage (10–15 minutes).
  3. Check the condition of the sealing washer of the plug. If it is deformed, replace it (part number 11026-01M02).

🔹 Step 3: Replace the filter

The filter is located to the right of the engine (when viewed in the direction of travel). Unscrew it with a puller, first placing a rag on it - about 100–150 ml of oil will flow out of the filter. Before installing a new filter:

  • 🔹 Lubricate the rubber seal with fresh oil.
  • 🔹 Tighten the filter by hand (do not use the tool!).

🔹 Step 4. Filling with new oil

Through the filler neck (on the valve cover), add 4.3 liters of oil, then check the level with a dipstick. Add in 100 ml increments until the level reaches the "F" (but not higher!).

🔹 Step 5. Check

Start the engine and let it run for 1-2 minutes. Turn off and check after 5 minutes:

  • 🔹 Oil level (should be between "L" And "F").
  • 🔹 No leaks on the plug and filter.
  • 🔹 Oil pressure (there should be no warning light on the dashboard).

Warmed up the engine to 50–60°C|

Prepared a container for processing (minimum 5 l) |

I bought oil with the correct viscosity (for example, 5W-30)|

I purchased a new oil filter (original or high-quality analogue)|

I have a 14mm wrench and a filter puller at hand-->

Common mistakes when changing oil

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to oil starvation or overflow. Here are the most critical ones:

  1. Using the wrong viscosity. For example, fill 0W-20 into an engine with mileage >150 thousand km leads to increased waste and risk bullying on the cylinder walls.
  2. Underfilling or overfilling of oil. Level below "L" threatens turbine wear (if it exists), higher "F" - by squeezing out the seals.
  3. Saving on filter. Cheap filters (for example, without a check valve) can cause oil starvation during a cold start.
  4. Ignoring flushing. If oil of a different brand or viscosity was previously used, the residue may react with the new oil, forming slag.

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the pressure lamp (🛢️) comes on on the dashboard, turn off the engine immediately! This may indicate:

  • 🔴 Faulty oil pump.
  • 🔴 Clogged oil filter.
  • 🔴 Oil leakage through the pan gasket.

In such cases, diagnostics is required - further operation without it will lead to engine wedge.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is above the "F" mark on the dipstick, don't panic. Stop the engine and let the oil drain into the pan (10–15 minutes). Then:

1. Pump out the excess through the filler neck with a syringe and tube.

2. Or carefully unscrew the drain plug and drain some of the oil (don’t forget to top it up to normal).

If the oil foams or has a milky color, this is a sign of antifreeze. In this case, repairs are required (the cylinder head gasket may be broken).

How often to change the oil: recommendations for Nissan Terrano 2.0

Official regulations Nissan requires oil changes every 15,000 km or 1 time per year. However, these figures are relevant for ideal conditions:

  • 🔹 Driving on the highway at an average speed of 60–80 km/h.
  • 🔹 High-quality fuel (octane number not lower than 95).
  • 🔹 Moderate climate (without extreme frost or heat).

In reality, most owners Terrano operate the machine in urban mode, where the replacement interval should be shortened:

Operating conditions Recommended interval
City (traffic jams, short trips) 7,000–8,000 km
Mixed mode (city + highway) 10,000–12,000 km
Extreme conditions (dust, off-road conditions, frost below −30°C) 5,000–6,000 km

🔹 How to determine when it's time to change the oil? Please note:

  • 🔴 Oil color on the dipstick: if it is black and opaque, replacement is required.
  • 🔴 Engine noise when cold (knocking of hydraulic compensators).
  • 🔴 Burnt oil (level drops faster than usual).
  • 🔴 Burning smell from the exhaust pipe.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using long replacement interval (15,000 km), be sure to check the condition of the oil through 5,000–7,000 km. To do this, submit the sample for analysis to a laboratory (for example, Oil Club or Blackstone Labs). The cost of the analysis (~1,500 rubles) will be recouped by the prevented repairs.

💡

The use of oils containing molybdenum (e.g. Liqui Moly MoS2) can increase the replacement interval by 20–30%, but only if confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to mix oils from different brands?

Mix oils not recommended, but in emergency cases mixing oils is allowed one viscosity and one type of base (For example, semi-synthetic 5W-30 from Shell And Castrol). After this, the oil must be changed as soon as possible, since additives from different manufacturers may react.

What happens if you don’t change the oil for more than 20,000 km?

If the replacement interval is exceeded, the oil loses its properties:

  • 🔹 Formed slag in the oil channels, which leads to oil starvation.
  • 🔹 Increases oil waste (the engine starts to “eat” up to 1 liter per 1,000 km).
  • 🔹 Wear turbines (if it exists) is accelerated by 2–3 times.
  • 🔹 Risk engine wedge increases after 150,000 km.

In advanced cases it will be necessary major renovation (cost from 150,000 rub.).

What kind of oil should I fill in Nissan Terrano 2.0 with LPG?

For machines with gas equipment requires oil with high ash content And thermal-oxidative stability. Optimal options:

  • 🔹 Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 (tolerance API SN).
  • 🔹 Motul Specific Dexos2 5W-30 (suitable for 4th generation HBO).
  • 🔹 ZIC X9 LS 5W-30 (low ash, but with good cleaning properties).

The replacement interval for HBO is reduced to 8,000–10,000 km due to the increased combustion temperature of the gas.

How much oil normally goes to waste?

For engine MR20DE normal oil consumption is:

  • 🔹 Up to 100,000 km: up to 200 ml per 1,000 km.
  • 🔹 100,000–200,000 km: up to 300 ml per 1,000 km.
  • 🔹 Over 200,000 km: up to 500 ml per 1,000 km (provided that the seals and rings are in good working order).

If the flow rate exceeds these values, it is required diagnostics:

  • 🔹 Compression check.
  • 🔹 Inspection of valve seals.
  • 🔹 Turbine diagnostics (if any).
Can I use 10W-40 oil?

Oil 10W-40 not recommended for Nissan Terrano 2.0, because:

  • 🔹 It has higher viscosity when cold, which makes starting in winter difficult.
  • 🔹 Does not meet tolerance ILSAC GF-5required by the manufacturer.
  • 🔹 May cause increased wear hydraulic compensators.

The exception is extremely hot climates (for example, +40°C and above), but even in this case it is better to choose 5W-40 with improved additives.