Body kit for Nissan Murano Z51: how to choose and install without errors

Crossover Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2022) is a stylish and dynamic car, but even its factory design can be made even more expressive. The body kit not only transforms the appearance, but also improves aerodynamics, protects the body from chips and gives the car a sporty character. However, the wrong choice of kit or installation errors can spoil the impression or even damage the car.

In this article we will look at all the nuances: from types of body kits (OEM style, sporty, aggressive) up to materials (ABS plastic, polyurethane, carbon), and we will also give step-by-step installation instructions. We will pay special attention to typical problems with mounting on the Murano Z51 due to the specific geometry of the bumpers - this point is often missed even by experienced tuners.

Types of body kits for Nissan Murano Z51: which one to choose?

Body kits for Murano Z51 are divided into three main categories, each of which solves its own problems. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the factory style, add sportiness, or radically change the appearance of the car.

• 🔹 OEM style (factory tuning) — body kits that repeat the original lines of the body, but with more pronounced details. Often used for restyled versions or limited editions (e.g. Nismo). Suitable for those who do not want radical changes, but want to stand out.
• 🏎️ Sports body kits — add dynamics due to extended arches, splitters and diffusers. Popular among owners who want to visually “press” the car to the road. Example: kits from Stillen or Seibon Carbon.
• 💥 Aggressive body kits - radically change the appearance, often with angular shapes and massive elements. Suitable for extreme tuning, but can worsen aerodynamics if selected incorrectly.

It is important to consider that Murano Z51 has a unique front bumper shape with integrated fog lights and parking sensors. Not all body kits are compatible with these elements - some require modifications or relocation of equipment.

Body kit materials: pros and cons of each

Not only the appearance, but also the durability, weight and price of the body kit depend on the material. For Nissan Murano Z51 Three types of materials are most often used, each of which has its own characteristics.

Material	Pros	Cons	Average price (set)
ABS plastic	Lightweight, impact resistant, easy to paint	May crack in the cold, requires primer before painting	from 40,000 ₽
Polyurethane	Flexible, does not break with small impacts, durable	Heavier than ABS, more difficult to process, more expensive	from 70,000 ₽
Carbon	Exclusive look, lightweight, durable	Very expensive, fragile under strong impacts, difficult to install	from 150,000 ₽
Fiberglass	Cheap, can be made to order	Heavy, short-lived, difficult to paint	from 25,000 ₽

For Murano Z51 the best choice is often polyurethane — it can withstand Russian roads and temperature changes, and also replicates complex body shapes well. Carbon parts are usually installed only on individual elements (for example, a splitter or diffuser), since a complete set will be too expensive.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap fiberglass body kits can warp over time due to moisture. If you choose this option, be sure to check the quality of the resin impregnation - otherwise delamination will begin in a year or two.

Preparing for installation: what needs to be done before installation

Installing body kit on Nissan Murano Z51 requires careful preparation. If you skip this step, you may encounter problems: from poor fit of parts to damage to the paintwork. Here's what to do to start of work:

Remove old bumpers and protection (if necessary)

Clean the body from dirt and grease (degreaser + anti-silicone)

Check fasteners and clips for wear

Protect the paint with masking tape in the cutting areas

Prepare tools: drill, screwdriver, hot air gun, clamps-->

Pay special attention parking sensors and rear view camera. On Murano Z51 they are integrated into the bumper, and when installing a new body kit you may need:

• 🔧 Transferring sensors to other holes (if they do not match the new bumper).
• 📐 Trimming the body kit to fit existing sensors (requires care so as not to spoil the appearance).
• 🔌 Checking the wiring - when dismantling the bumper, it is easy to damage the connectors.

If you are installing a body kit with extended arches, check in advance whether it will touch the wheels when turning. For Murano Z51 with winding discs R18 or R20 Usually there are no problems, but on low-profile tires the offset may need to be adjusted.

Step-by-step installation of body kit on Nissan Murano Z51

Installation of the body kit can be divided into three stages: dismantling old parts, preparing new ones and installing them. Let's look at the process using the example of the front bumper (the most complex element).

Step 1. Removing the old bumper

1. Unscrew the bumper mounting bolts from below (under the crankcase protection).
2. Disconnect the clips on the sides (in the wheel arches).
3. Carefully unclip the clips from above (under the hood) and remove the bumper, having first disconnected the sensor and fog light connectors.

Step 2. Preparing a new body kit

• 🔨 Try the bumper on the body, noting the places where trimming is required (for example, for parking sensors).
• 🎨 If the body kit is unpainted, apply primer and paint in 2-3 layers (use the color code of your Murano Z51).
• 🔥 For flexible materials (polyurethane), warm up the parts with a hot air dryer - this will make installation easier.

Step 3. Installation and fixation

Attach the bumper to its original places, starting with the side clips. Then:

1. Connect the sensors and fog lights (use wiring extensions if necessary).
2. Adjust the gaps between the bumper and fenders (should be the same on both sides).
3. Attach the crankcase protection and check that the bumper does not touch the wheels when turning.

What to do if the body kit does not fit on the fastenings?

If the new bumper does not line up with the original holes, do not try to force it on - this will cause cracks. Instead:

1. Drill new holes in the body kit (not in the body!), having previously marked them with a marker.

2. Use rubber pads to avoid vibration.

3. If the problem is in the geometry, contact a tuning studio - it may require modification on a machine.

After installation, be sure to check the operation of all systems: parking sensors, rear view camera and fog lights. If something does not work, most likely the wiring was damaged during installation.

Typical mistakes when installing a body kit and how to avoid them

Even experienced professionals sometimes make mistakes that spoil the result. Here are the most common tuning problems Nissan Murano Z51 and ways to prevent them:

• 🚨 Color mismatch — if you paint the body kit yourself, use the original color code (for example, KAD for black or QAB for white Murano). Check the shade in daylight.
• 🔩 Weak fixation — don’t skimp on clips and bolts. Standard mounts Murano Z51 not always suitable for heavy body kits (especially polyurethane).
• 💧 Moisture ingress — if the joints are not sealed, water will begin to accumulate under the body kit, which will lead to corrosion. Use silicone sealant.
• 🔊 Noises and rattles - the cause is often incorrectly installed rubber gaskets or lack of sound insulation.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with the system ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise control) body kit may block radar sensors. Before purchasing, check with the manufacturer to see if the kit is compatible with your setup.

Another common mistake is ignoring gaps between parts. On Murano Z51 Due to the large wheel arches and high ground clearance, uneven gaps are noticeable. Use plastic spacers for leveling.

Cost of body kits and where is the best place to buy

Body kit price for Nissan Murano Z51 depends on the material, brand and configuration. The table below shows average prices for 2026:

Type of body kit	Material	Price (set)	Where to buy
OEM style	ABS plastic	40 000 – 60 000 ₽	Official dealers, Nissan Performance Parts
Sports	Polyurethane	70 000 – 120 000 ₽	Stillen, Injen, tuning studio
Aggressive	Carbon + ABS	150 000 – 300 000 ₽	Seibon Carbon, VIS Racing
Budget	Fiberglass	20 000 – 35 000 ₽	AliExpress, local manufacturers

It is better to buy body kits from trusted suppliers:

• 🛒 Official dealers - guaranteed compatibility, but limited choice.
• 🌍 Foreign sites (For example, eBay, JDM Buyer) - a large assortment, but high delivery costs and the risk of customs problems.
• 🔧 Local tuning studios — often offer turnkey installation and can customize the body kit to suit your car.

When purchasing, please check if the package includes:

• Fastening elements (clips, bolts).
• Installation instructions (especially important for carbon parts).
• Warranty on the material (for example, against delamination or cracks).

If you choose a budget fiberglass option, be prepared for additional refinishing and painting costs. It is often cheaper to buy a pre-painted ABS kit.

Body kit and legal nuances: what does the law say?

In Russia, any changes in the appearance of a car that affect dimensions or lighting devices must be approved by the traffic police. For Nissan Murano Z51 this applies to:

• 🚗 Length/width changes — if the body kit protrudes more than 50 mm beyond the dimensions of the body, changes to the title are required.
• 💡 Modification of lighting devices — replacing foglights or turn signals with non-standard ones may result in a fine.
• 📏 Change in clearance - if the body kit reduces the ground clearance, this can be considered a design change.

To avoid problems:

1. Take photos of the car before and after installing the body kit.
2. Keep receipts for purchase and installation.
3. If the body kit changes dimensions, you will receive conclusion of preliminary technical examination (can be done at an accredited tuning studio).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z51 with a body kit covering the license plate, you may be fined under Art. 12.2 Code of Administrative Offenses (unreadable number). Make sure the signs remain visible from any angle.

In most cases, body kits that do not change dimensions (for example, splitters or door sills) do not require registration. But if you have any doubts, consult with a lawyer or your local traffic police department.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about body kits for the Nissan Murano Z51

Is it possible to install a body kit from a Nissan Murano Z52 on a Z51?

No, these models have different body geometry. Body kits from Z52 (2023) will not be suitable for Z51 due to the modified lines of the bumpers, grille and wheel arches. The exception is some universal parts (for example, door sills), but these will also have to be modified.

How often should the body kit be repainted?

It depends on the material and operating conditions:

• ABS plastic - once every 2-3 years (requires polishing and protection with varnish).
• Polyurethane - once every 4-5 years (more resistant to chips).
• Carbon - once a year (needs special care and varnishing).

In Russian conditions, it is recommended to cover the body kit with a protective film (for example, 3M Scotchgard).

Does body kit affect fuel consumption?

Yes, but only slightly. Aggressive body kits with large splitters and wings can increase consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km due to worse aerodynamics. Sports body kits, on the contrary, sometimes reduce fuel consumption on the highway (by optimizing air flow). On Murano Z51 with engine VQ35DD the difference usually does not exceed 5%.

Is it possible to install the body kit yourself or is it better to contact a service?

If you have experience working with plastic and tools, you can try installing the body kit yourself. However for Murano Z51 there are some nuances:

• Difficulty with parking sensors (needs to be careful when trimming).
• Risk of damage to the paintwork when dismantling old parts.
• The need to adjust the gaps (this is difficult to do by eye).

If you are not sure, it is better to contact a tuning studio - the installation cost is usually 10-20% of the body kit price.

Which body kit is better to choose for off-road?

For driving on gravel or snow, body kits made of polyurethane — they are flexible and do not crack when hit by stones. Avoid carbon fiber (fragile) and cheap fiberglass (may delaminate from moisture). The best option is a kit with protection for the lower part of the bumper (for example, from Rally Armor or ARB). Also make sure that the body kit does not reduce the ground clearance - by Murano Z51 it is already small (190 mm).