Engine VQ35DE - one of the most reliable and durable motors Nissan, mounted on a crossover Murano first (Z50) and second (Z51) generations. However, even such a time-tested unit requires competent maintenance, and the key point here is the correct oil volume and its timely replacement. Errors at this stage lead to oil starvation, accelerated wear of parts and even major repairs.

In this article you will find exact data on oil volume for VQ35DE depending on the year of manufacture and modification of Murano, recommendations for choosing lubricants, as well as step-by-step replacement instructions taking into account the nuances of this engine. We will also look at common myths and mistakes that owners make during maintenance.

Specifications of the VQ35DE engine in the Murano

Engine VQ35DE belongs to the family VQ - series of V-shaped 6-cylinder engines Nissan, known for their durability and high revs. B Murano this unit had the following key parameters:

  • 🔧 Volume: 3.5 l (3498 cm³)
  • 🔄 Configuration: V6, 24 valves (DOHC)
  • ⚡ Power: 234–265 hp (depending on year and market)
  • 📏 Stroke/Bore: 81.4 mm / 93.0 mm
  • 🛢️ Lubrication system: combined (spraying + under pressure)

Feature VQ35DE in Murano is the presence variable valve timing systems (CVTC) on the intake shaft, which requires the use of oils with improved detergent and antifriction properties. The engine is also sensitive to oil filter quality - non-original or cheap analogues can lead to premature wear of hydraulic compensators.

It is important to consider that depending on the year of manufacture and the sales market (USA, Japan, Europe), some parameters could vary. For example, in American versions Murano 2003–2007 power was 245 hp, while in Japanese - 234 hp. However oil volume does not depend on this.

Official data: how much oil to fill in VQ35DE

According to factory manuals Nissan, engine oil volume VQ35DE in Murano is:

Model and generation Year of manufacture Oil volume (with filter), l Oil volume (without filter), l
Murano Z50 (1st generation) 2003–2007 4.8 4.5
Murano Z51 (2nd generation) 2008–2010 4.8 4.5
Murano Z51 (facelift) 2011–2014 4.8 4.5

Important: the indicated values are valid for complete oil change (with removal of the pan or vacuum pumping). During a standard replacement, ~0.3–0.5 liters of old oil remains in the crankcase through the drain plug, so you need to fill in 0.2–0.3 liters less than indicated in the table.

⚠️ Attention: In some service manuals for Murano 2008–2010 The indicated volume is 5.0 l with filter. This is a mistake! The correct volume is 4.8 l. Exceeding the oil level leads to foaming and damage to the seals.

To check the level, use the dipstick - the oil should be between the marks MIN And MAX. Carry out the check 5–10 minutes after stopping the engine, when the oil has drained into the sump.

📊 What oil do you use in VQ35DE?
  • Synthetic 5W-30
  • Semi-synthetic 10W-40
  • Original Nissan
  • Other

Which oil to choose for VQ35DE: recommendations and approvals

Engine VQ35DE sensitive to oil quality, especially after 150–200 thousand kilometers. Nissan recommends the use of lubricants that meet the following standards:

  • 📋 API: not lower SL (for cars before 2004) or SM/SN (2005 and newer)
  • 📋 ILSAC: GF-3 or GF-4
  • 📋 Viscosity: 5W-30 (optimal for most climates), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (for hot climates)

Original oil Nissan for VQ35DE — Nissan Motor Oil 5W-30 (article KLE52-00004). Among analogues, they have proven themselves well:

  • 🛢️ Mobil 1 5W-30 (article 152611) - optimal for cold climates
  • 🛢️ Castrol Edge 5W-30 (article 15669A) - improved wear protection
  • 🛢️ Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 — recommended for cars with mileage >200 thousand km

For engines with a mileage of more than 250 thousand km, it is advisable to use oil with high viscosity (for example, 10W-40) or specialized products for worn out motors (for example, Liqui Moly Hochleistungs 10W-40). This will help compensate for the increased gaps and reduce oil consumption due to waste.

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If your Murano is used in city traffic jams or frequent short trips, reduce the oil change interval to 7–8 thousand km instead of the standard 10–15 thousand km. In such modes, the oil oxidizes faster and loses its properties.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in VQ35DE

Changing the oil in VQ35DE does not require special skills, but has several nuances. You will need:

  • 🔧 New oil (4.5–4.8 l depending on the replacement method)
  • 🔧 Oil filter (original - 15208-9F600 or analogues Mann, Framm)
  • 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug)
  • 🔧 Oil filter puller (or belt/rope)
  • 🔧 Funnel and container for processing (volume of at least 5 l)

Sequence of actions:

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5–7 minutes at idle). This will ensure better drainage of used oil.
  2. Raise the car on a lift or install it on a viewing hole. An alternative is a jack with stops (but this is less convenient).
  3. Drain the old oil:
    • Unscrew the drain plug (14 mm wrench) - it is located in the back of the pan.
    • Let the oil drain completely (10–15 minutes).
    • Wipe the plug and install a new sealing washer (copper or aluminum).
  4. Replace oil filter:
    • The filter is located at the front of the engine, closer to the radiator.
    • Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring 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:
    • Add ~4.3 liters of oil through the filler neck (on the valve cover).
    • Start the engine for 1-2 minutes, then turn off and check the level on the dipstick.
    • Add oil to the mark between MIN And MAX.

☑️ Checklist before changing the oil

Done: 0 / 5

After replacement, check for leaks from under the filter and drain plug. For the first 50–100 km, monitor the oil level - shrinkage is possible due to the filling of the filter.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, an emulsion (light brown foam) appears on the dipstick, this is a sign of antifreeze getting into the oil. Immediately check the condition of the cylinder head gasket and pump - for VQ35DE this is a typical problem after 200 thousand km.

Common mistakes when changing oil in VQ35DE

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

  1. Overfilling or underfilling oil.
    • Overfilling (>5.0 l) leads to oil foaming and damage to the crankshaft seals.
    • Underfilling (<4.0 l) causes oil starvation, which is especially dangerous for hydraulic compensators.
  2. Using a low-quality filter.
    • Cheap filters do not retain wear particles, which accelerates the destruction of the liners.
    • B VQ35DE The throughput of the filter is critically important - the original filter is designed for 10-15 thousand km.
  3. Ignoring the replacement of the drain plug sealing washer.
    • An old washer may sag, which leads to oil leaks.
    • Original washer (art. no. 11026-01M02) costs pennies, but prevents serious problems.
  4. Changing the oil on a cold engine.
    • The cold oil is not completely drained; up to 0.5 liters of waste remains in the pan.
    • This reduces the effective operation interval of new oil by 20–30%.

Another common mistake is using oils with the wrong viscosity. For example, fill 0W-20 in VQ35DE with mileage >200 thousand km will lead to a drop in oil pressure at high speeds and knocking of hydraulic compensators. Optimal viscosity for older engines 5W-40 or 10W-40.

What happens if you mix different oils?

Mixing oils of different manufacturers or viscosities is only permissible in emergency cases (for example, in case of a leak on the road). In the long term this leads to:

- Precipitation and clogging of oil channels.

- Reduced cleaning properties of oil.

- Accelerated oxidation and loss of viscosity.

If you had to mix oils, perform a complete change with flushing as soon as possible.

Maintenance Features of the High Mileage VQ35DE

After 200–250 thousand km the engine VQ35DE requires a more careful approach. Typical problems and their solutions:

Problem Reason Solution
Increased oil consumption (>1 l per 1000 km) Wear of oil scraper rings, valve seals Replacing rings, decoking or switching to 10W-40 oil
Knock of hydraulic compensators when cold Contamination of oil channels, wear of plunger pairs Flushing the engine, changing the oil to a more viscous one
Oil leak from under the valve cover Gasket wear or cover deformation Replacing the gasket (part no. 13270-4M500), checking the flatness of the cover

For engines with mileage >300 thousand km, it is recommended:

  • 🔧 Reduce the oil change interval to 7–8 thousand km.
  • 🔧 Use oil with a high content of additives (for example, Liqui Moly MoS2).
  • 🔧 Check compression regularly (the norm for VQ35DE - 12–14 bar in each cylinder).

If the engine begins to “eat” oil, but there are no visible leaks, the cause is most often valve stem seals (valve seals). Replacing them is cheaper than a major overhaul and can restore the engine to its former appetite. The cost of service work is ~15–20 thousand rubles (excluding spare parts).

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For VQ35DE with mileage >250 thousand km, it is critical to use oil with a high base number (TBN > 8). This helps neutralize acids formed during fuel combustion and slows down corrosion of parts.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to put 0W-20 oil in VQ35DE?

No, this is not recommended. Oil 0W-20 too liquid for VQ35DE, especially with mileage >100 thousand km. It does not provide sufficient protection under high loads and temperatures, which leads to accelerated wear of liners and hydraulic compensators. Optimal choice - 5W-30 or 5W-40.

How often do you change the oil in VQ35DE if you don’t drive much?

Even with low mileage (for example, 5 thousand km per year), the oil in VQ35DE needs to be changed at least once every 12 months. Over time, the oil oxidizes, loses additives and accumulates moisture, which leads to corrosion of internal parts. If the car is parked in winter, warm up the engine to operating temperature to remove condensation before changing the oil.

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

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

  1. Insufficient oil level (check dipstick).
  2. Faulty oil filter (bypass valve stuck open).
  3. Clogged oil pump or oil receiver screen (requires disassembly of the pan).
  4. Wear of crankshaft liners (typical for mileages >300 thousand km).

Stop the engine immediately and check the level. If the light blinks at idle, but goes out when the speed increases, the problem is most likely a worn pump or bearings.

What kind of oil should I fill in the VQ35DE for use in cold weather (-30°C)?

For extremely low temperatures, synthetic oil is suitable 0W-30 or 0W-40 with permission SN/GF-5. Good options:

  • Mobil 1 0W-40 (article 152614)
  • Castrol Edge 0W-30 (article 15A568)
  • Liqui Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-30 (suitable for temperatures down to -35°C)

Avoid using 0W-20 — it’s too thin for VQ35DE even in cold weather.

Do I need to flush the engine when changing the oil?

Engine flushing not required with regular oil changes (every 10–15 thousand km). However, it is recommended in the following cases:

  • When switching from mineral oil to synthetic oil.
  • If the previous oil was of poor quality or fake.
  • When purchasing a used car with unknown service history.
  • After a major overhaul or disassembly of the engine.

For rinsing use special flushing oils (For example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung), and not “five-minute” additives - they can damage the seals.