You bought Nissan Murano Z51 (2015-2026) and are faced with the need to find the engine number? You may need to check your car's history, fill out documents, or order spare parts. Unlike VIN code, which is located standardly, the engine number on this model often raises questions - it is not always visible at first glance.
In this article we will not only show exact location of engine number on Murano Z51 with photos and diagrams, but we will also tell you how to read it correctly, decipher it and avoid common mistakes. You will learn why the number is sometimes hidden under a layer of dirt or protection, and what to do if it is erased. And also - how to check the authenticity of an engine using the VIN code without contacting a service center.
Why is the engine number on the Murano Z51 so difficult to find?
Owners Nissan Murano Z51 They often complain that the engine number is not immediately visible - and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the manufacturer placed it in a place that is not always convenient for inspection: on cylinder block, but not on the top, but on the side or bottom. Secondly, over time the number may become covered oily coating or corrosion, especially if the car was operated in difficult conditions.
Another problem - protective covers and plastic panelsthat cover the engine. On some modifications Murano Z51 (for example, with an engine VQ35DE) the number partially overlaps the pipe or bracket. Finally, there are machines on the market with interrupted numbers - this is a reason to be wary and check the car’s history.
- 🔧 Technical Feature: on Murano Z51 The engine number is applied using impact stamping rather than a laser, so it “sinks” deeper into the metal.
- 🌧️ Influence of conditions: in regions with salt on the roads (for example, Moscow, St. Petersburg), the number can oxidize in 3–5 years.
- 🔍 Design nuances: on versions with all-wheel drive (
4WD) access to the room is difficult due to additional units.
- Less than an hour
- 1–3 days
- A week or more
- I haven’t started yet, I’m just planning
Exact location of the engine number: photo and diagram
On Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2026) engine number is located on right side of the cylinder block (if you look in the direction of travel of the car) next to the gearbox mounting point. More specifically - on area between the 3rd and 4th cylinders, just below the level of the top cover.
To see the number you will need:
- Open the hood and secure it.
- Remove plastic engine cover (it is secured with 4 latches).
- Arm yourself with a flashlight and a mirror (for example, a dental mirror) - the number is located at an angle.
- Clean the surface from dirt soft brush (not metal!) if the number is not readable.
The photo below shows the exact location (the number is circled in red):
The number is a combination of 8–10 characters (letters and numbers), where the first 2–3 characters indicate the engine series (for example, VQ35 for the 3.5-liter V6), and the rest - a unique identifier. On Murano Z51 The most common engines are:
| Engine model | Volume | Years of manufacture | Example number |
|---|---|---|---|
VQ35DE |
3.5 l | 2015–2026 | VQ35XXXXXX |
QR25DE |
2.5 l | 2015–2018 (select markets) | QR25XXXXXX |
VQ37VHR |
3.7 l | 2020–2026 (restyling) | VQ37XXXXXX |
⚠️ Attention: if the engine number is on your Murano Z51 starts withJN8or5N1- this is not an engine number, but a fragment VIN code. Don't confuse them! The VIN is located on the driver's side windshield and in the spare tire well.
How to read a number if it is erased or hidden?
If the engine number is Nissan Murano Z51 cannot be read due to corrosion, dirt or mechanical damage, use these methods:
- 🧴 Cleaning: use WD-40 or white spirit + soft brush. Do not use sandpaper - this will damage the stamp!
- 🔦 Backlight: Point the flashlight at an angle of 30–45° - the shadow will help highlight the characters.
- 📸 Photo with enlargement: take a photo of the number on your phone and enlarge the image - sometimes this helps to make out the numbers.
- 🔍 Mirror: if the number is located in a recess, use a small mirror on a telescopic handle (sold in auto stores).
If the number is erased intentionally (for example, after an accident or engine replacement), check:
☑️ What to do if the engine number is erased?
On Murano Z51 there is another plate with engine data - it is located on left body pillar (if you open the driver's door). It states:
- Engine model (
VQ35DE,QR25DEetc.). - Body number (matches the last 6–8 characters of the VIN).
- Release date.
⚠️ Attention: If the number on the plate and the number on the cylinder block do not match, this may mean that the engine has been replaced. In Russia, such changes must be registered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate - check the mark in the PTS!
How to decipher the engine number on a Murano Z51?
Engine number on Nissan Murano Z51 consists of two parts:
- Prefix (2–4 characters)—indicates the engine series. For example:
VQ35— 3.5-liter V6 (VQ35DE).QR25— 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (QR25DE).VQ37— 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR).
Example of number decoding VQ35123456:
VQ35— engine series (3.5 l, V6).123456- serial number.
By this number you can find out:
What information does the engine number provide?
With the engine number you can:
- Check the originality of the unit (does it match the manufacturer’s data).
- Find out the year of manufacture of the engine (sometimes different from the year of manufacture of the car).
- Select the exact spare parts (pistons, crankshaft, cylinder head, etc.).
- Check the repair history (if the car was serviced by an authorized dealer).
To check the authenticity of the engine, use Nissan database or services like Nissan Service History. Enter the VIN and engine number - the system will show if they match.
Common mistakes when searching for engine numbers
Many owners Murano Z51 make the same mistakes. Here are the most common:
- 🔢 Confused with VIN: The engine number is shorter (8–10 characters), and the VIN consists of 17 characters.
- 🔧 They are looking in the wrong place: some look at the top of the block or at the gearbox - the number is not marked there.
- 🧹 Clean aggressively: metal brushes or abrasives erase the mark forever.
- 📄 They do not check with the PTS: if the number in the documents and on the engine do not match, this is a reason to check.
Another typical problem is misinterpretation of symbols. For example, the number 0 and letter O or number 1 and letter I may look the same. To avoid errors:
- Compare the symbols with other license plates on the car (for example, on a plate under the hood).
- Use a magnifying glass or magnified photo.
- If in doubt, check the number through the dealer - they have access to factory databases.
If the engine number on your Murano Z51 starts with a letter T or S, this may indicate an engine for the Japanese market (e.g. VQ35DE-T). Such motors often have different ECU settings.
How to check engine history by number?
Engine number on Nissan Murano Z51 allows you to find out not only its originality, but also its history. Here's how to do it:
- Checking via VIN: enter VIN on websites CarVertical, Autocheck or Nissan Russia. If the engine number in the report does not match what is on the block, this is a reason to be wary.
- Contact the dealer: official services Nissan can provide data on warranty repairs by engine number.
- Checking the traffic police database: in Russia, the engine number must match the data in the PTS. If not, the car could have been in an accident or subjected to criminal alteration.
Pay special attention to the following points:
- 🔧 Engine replacement: if there is a record of replacement in the history, but the number is not updated in the documents, this is a violation.
- 🚗 Import from USA/Japan: on such cars the engine number may be duplicated on a special plate under the hood.
- 🔥 Fire or flood: if the number is difficult to read, and the history contains a mention of insurance claims, this is a reason for diagnosis.
| Situation | What to do? | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| The number has been erased, but the PTS has data | Check with VIN through dealer | Engine replacement possible |
| The number does not match the PTS | Check history by VIN | The car could have been in an accident or stolen |
| The number starts with non-standard characters | Check with the official service | Possible tuning or counterfeit |
If you buy a Murano Z51 secondhand, be sure to check the engine number with the data on the title and check the history using the VIN. This will save you from buying a car with a “problematic” biography.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive if the engine number is not readable?
Yes, but problems may arise when passing inspection or re-registration. In Russia, the traffic police inspector has the right to demand restoration of the license plate through an examination. If the number is erased naturally, this is not a violation, but if a car is suspected of being counterfeit, it may be sent for a forensic check.
What to do if the engine number does not match the title?
This is a serious signal! Possible reasons:
- The engine was replaced after an accident (there should be a mark in the vehicle title).
- The car is assembled from several cars (“constructor”).
- The number is forged (check the VIN history!).
Contact the traffic police or an official dealer for clarification.
Where else can I find the engine number other than the cylinder block?
On Murano Z51 The engine number is duplicated:
- On sign under the hood (left pillar).
- B electronic control unit (ECU) — it can be considered a diagnostic scanner.
- B dealer documentation (if the car has been officially serviced).
However, the number on the cylinder block is considered the main one.
What is the fine for mismatching the engine number with the documents?
In Russia, there is a fine for driving with a mismatched engine number. Art. 12.1 Code of Administrative Offenses (driving a vehicle with malfunctions) - up to 500 rubles. However, if it is proven that the number is faked, the matter may come to deprivation of rights or criminal liability (Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
Is it possible to restore an erased engine number?
Yes, but only through examination. In Russia this is done by specialized laboratories (for example, NICEVT). Cost - from 5,000 rubles. Self-repair (such as chemical etching) is prohibited and may be considered counterfeit.