Crossover Nissan Murano Z51 The third generation, released in 2014, became a real breakthrough in the premium SUV class. This car combines aggressive design, business class comfort and proven technical solutions from Nissan. But over 10 years of production, the model has become overgrown with myths, hidden problems and unobvious advantages that even official dealers are silent about.

In this article we will look at all the key aspects of the Murano Z51 - from engines and transmissions to electronics and interior. You will find out what components require special attention after 100,000 kmhow to properly maintain a variator Jatco JF016E, and why the system ProPilot Assist on restyled versions it does not work as promised in advertising. And also exclusive life hacks for tuning and repairs that will save you tens of thousands of rubles.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano Z51: engines, transmissions, suspension

Under the hood Murano Z51 a single, time-tested engine was installed - petrol V6 VQ35DD volume 3.5 liters. This motor, familiar from Nissan 370Z And Infiniti QX60, develops 260 hp at 6400 rpm And 336 Nm torque. Despite the considerable age of the structure, VQ35DD remains one of the most reliable V6s in the class - provided proper maintenance.

Key features of the power unit:

  • 🔧 Timing chain drive with a resource of 200,000+ km (but requires control of tensioners after 150,000 km)
  • 💧 Direct fuel injection system, sensitive to the quality of gasoline (octane number not lower 95)
  • 🔥 Double phase shifter on the intake and exhaust shafts (problems begin after 180,000 km)
  • ⚡ Electronic throttle with adaptive logic (requires training after battery reset)

The only transmission for Murano Z51 — variator Jatco JF016E with imitation of 7 stages. This unit raises the most questions among owners. On the one hand, it provides smooth acceleration and efficiency, on the other hand, it requires mandatory oil change every 60,000 km, regardless of the dealer’s regulations. Neglect of this rule leads to belt slippage and costly repairs.

Suspension Murano Z51 built according to the classical scheme: front - MacPherson type, rear - multi-link. Features:

  • 🛞 Shock absorbers Sachs with gas boost (lifetime 80,000–100,000 km)
  • 🔩 Rear beam silent blocks — weak point (cracks after 120,000 km)
  • 🔧 Steering rack ZF with electric booster (leaks start after 150,000 km)
📊 Which engine do you think is optimal for the Murano Z51?
  • 3.5 V6 (VQ35DD)
  • 2.5 hybrid (QR25DER + electric motor)
  • Diesel 2.3 (YD23DDTi)
  • Another option

Weaknesses and typical faults: what to look for when purchasing

Even the most reliable car has weaknesses, and Murano Z51 no exception. When purchasing a used copy, be sure to check:

1. CVT Jatco JF016E. Wear symptoms:

  • ⚠️ Jerks during acceleration (especially when “cold”)
  • ⚠️ Buzzing or whistling sound when coasting
  • ⚠️ Delayed response to the gas pedal
⚠️ Attention: If during inspection you find metal shavings or a burning smell in the variator oil, it is better to refuse the purchase. Repairs will cost 200,000–300,000 rubles.

2. All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4-i. B Murano Z51 An electromagnetic clutch is used, which wears out over time. Signs of malfunction:

  • 🔧 Extraneous sounds when switching to 4WD Lock
  • 🔧 Spontaneous shutdown of all-wheel drive
  • 🔧 Oil leak from transfer case

3. Electronics and multimedia. On restyled versions (since 2018), the system is often buggy NissanConnect with navigation. Typical problems:

  • 📱 Screen freezes when connected Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • 📻 Spontaneous mute
  • 🔋 Rapid battery discharge due to current leakage in standby mode

4. Body and paintwork. Paint on Murano Z51 soft and prone to chipping, especially on the hood and bumper. Check:

  • 🎨 Condition of the paintwork under the headlights (often peels off)
  • 🚗 Gaps between body panels (uneven gaps indicate an accident)
  • 🔗 Condition of rubber door seals (crack after 5 years of use)
How to check the variator when purchasing?

1. Start the engine when cold and turn on mode "D". There should be no jerking during the first 30 seconds.

2. Press the gas pedal all the way - the speed should increase smoothly without dips.

3. Test drive with hard acceleration. If the variator “slips”, this is a sign of belt wear.

4. After the trip, check the oil with a dipstick - it should be light, without a burning smell or metal particles.

Maintenance of Nissan Murano Z51: regulations and hidden nuances

Official service regulations Murano Z51 compiled taking into account “ideal” operating conditions, which are rare in Russia. Therefore we recommend adjust consumable replacement intervals in the direction of decrease.

Main maintenance points:

Node/fluid Official regulations Recommendation for Russia Notes
Motor oil 15,000 km 10,000 km Use oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission Nissan
Oil in the variator 90,000 km 60,000 km Only original oil NS-3 or equivalent Idemitsu CVTF
Brake fluid 40,000 km 30,000 km Moisture saturation above 3% is unacceptable
Spark plugs 100,000 km 60,000 km Iridium spark plugs NGK ILZFR6D11 or Denso FXE20HR11
Air and cabin filters 30,000 km 15,000 km In dusty cities, replace more often

Hidden nuances of service:

  • 🔧 Changing the oil in the transfer case (every 90,000 km) - this item is often missing from the official regulations
  • 🔧 Cleaning the throttle valve (every 50,000 km) - there is a lot of carbon deposits due to the direct injection system
  • 🔧 Checking the condition of the fuel injectors (after 100,000 km) - clogged when using low-quality gasoline
⚠️ Attention: After changing the oil in the variator be sure to reset the adaptations through a diagnostic scanner. Otherwise, the transmission will operate in emergency mode for the first 500 km.

Buy original NS-3 oil (8–9 liters)|Purchase a new variator filter (part number 31726-3MX0A)|Prepare a new pan gasket (part number 31397-3MX0A)|Heat the oil to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km)|Have a diagnostic scanner on hand to reset adaptations-->

Tuning and upgrading Nissan Murano Z51: what really works

Owners Murano Z51 often want to improve the dynamics, handling or appearance of their crossover. But not all modifications are worth the investment. We have selected only proven solutions:

1. Increase engine power

  • 🔥 Chip tuning (up to +20 hp) - safe when using high-quality software (for example, from ECU-Tuning)
  • 💨 Installing a cold air intake (adds 5–7 hp and improves sound)
  • ⚡ Exhaust system replacement to silent from Borla or MagnaFlow (improves gas removal)

2. Suspension upgrade

  • 🛞 Installing springs H&R or Eibach (reduce ground clearance by 20–30 mm without loss of comfort)
  • 🔧 Replacing shock absorbers with Bilstein B6 (improves handling at high speeds)
  • 🛡️ Installing crankcase protection (relevant for off-road use, article number Nissan 21420-3M000)

3. External and internal tuning

  • 🎨 Pasting with vinyl film (popular colors Matte Black And Deep Blue Pearl)
  • 💡 Installation of LED optics (for example, headlights from Morimoto or Diode Dynamics)
  • 🎵 Audio system upgrade (replacing standard speakers with Focal or JBL)
⚠️ Attention: When installing LED lamps in headlights, check their compatibility with the control unit BCM. Some Chinese LEDs cause errors on the dashboard.
💡

Before purchasing tuning parts, check their compatibility with the VIN of your car through the service Partsouq. This will help avoid installation problems.

ProPilot Assist system: how it works and is it worth trusting?

On restyled versions Murano Z51 (since 2018) a system appeared ProPilot Assist - semi-autonomous driver assistant. It combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and parking assist. But in practice the work ProPilot far from ideal.

What can he do? ProPilot Assist:

  • 🚗 Automatically maintains distance to the vehicle in front
  • 🛣️ Keeping the car in the lane (works only on clearly marked roads)
  • 🅿️ parking assistance (automatic steering, but without pedal control)

System limitations:

  • ❌ Does not work at lower speeds 30 km/h
  • ❌ Turns off in heavy rain or snow (the camera does not recognize the markings)
  • ❌ Requires constant driver control (hands cannot be removed from the steering wheel for more than 10 seconds)

To activate ProPilot Assist required:

  1. Activate adaptive cruise control with button SET on the steering wheel
  2. Press the button ProPILOT on the steering wheel
  3. Make sure that the green system indicator on the dashboard lights up
⚠️ Attention: System ProPilot Assist is not a complete autopilot! It does not recognize pedestrians, cyclists or stationary obstacles. In city traffic, its use is fraught with accidents.
💡

ProPilot Assist is useful on the highway to reduce driver fatigue, but requires constant monitoring. In the city, it is better to turn off the system and drive the car yourself.

Operation in winter: tips for Russian conditions

Nissan Murano Z51 It is not a full-fledged SUV, but with proper preparation it copes well with the Russian winter. Key points:

1. Preparing for cold weather

  • ❄️ Replacing all fluids with winter ones (oil 0W-30, washer until -30°C)
  • 🔋 Battery check (capacity not less than 70 Ah, starting current 600 A)
  • 🚗 Installing winter tires (recommended size 235/65 R18)

2. Control features

  • 🛑 Disable ESP when starting on ice (button next to the variator selector)
  • ⚙️ Use the mode 4WD Lock when driving in the snow
  • 🔄 Avoid hard acceleration — the variator does not like slipping

3. Heating and comfort

  • 🔥 Pre-heater Webasto (article Thermo Top Evo 5)
  • 🪑 Heated seats and steering wheel (turns on automatically at temperatures below +5°C)
  • 💨 Checking the operation of the stove (a common problem is a clogged cabin filter)

Requires special attention in winter variator. At temperatures below -20°C The transmission oil thickens, which can lead to:

  • ⚠️ Gear start delay
  • ⚠️ Jerking when switching modes
  • ⚠️ Increased fuel consumption
💡

Before the first winter start, warm up the variator: start the engine, turn on mode “D” and hold the brake for 2-3 minutes. This will help the oil distribute evenly throughout the transmission.

Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose

Nissan Murano Z51 competes with models such as Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe And Ford Edge. Let's compare the key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Murano Z51 Toyota Highlander (XU50) Honda Pilot (2016–2022) Hyundai Santa Fe (TM)
Engine 3.5 V6 (260 hp) 3.5 V6 (273 hp) 3.5 V6 (280 hp) 2.4 Turbo (235 hp)
Transmission CVT 8-automatic 9-automatic 8-automatic
Fuel consumption (combined) 10.5 l/100 km 11.2 l/100 km 11.8 l/100 km 9.8 l/100 km
Resale price (2018, 80,000 km) 2.1–2.4 million ₽ 2.5–2.8 million ₽ 2.3–2.6 million RUB 1.9–2.2 million ₽
Reliability ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Advantages of the Murano Z51 over its competitors:

  • 💰 Lower price on the secondary market
  • 🛋️ One of the most comfortable cabins in the class
  • 🔧 Easier and cheaper to repair than Honda Pilot

Disadvantages compared to competitors:

  • ⚡ The variator is less reliable than classic automatic transmissions Toyota And Hyundai
  • 🛡️ Worse cross-country ability due to lack of differential lock
  • 📉 Higher fuel consumption than turbo engines

If you need reliable family crossover with a comfortable interior, Murano Z51 - an excellent choice. But if the priority is cross-country ability and reliability, better take a closer look Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z51

Can you tow a trailer with the Murano Z51?

Yes, Murano Z51 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 907 kg (without brakes) or 1588 kg (with brakes). However:

  • 🚫 Towing is prohibited when the mode is on 4WD Lock
  • ⚠️ The variator overheats during long towing - make stops every 2 hours
  • 🔧 Installation of an additional cooling radiator is required (item no. Nissan 21460-3M000)
How to reset the service interval on the dashboard?

To reset the service interval:

  1. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine)
  2. Press and hold the button TRIP on the dashboard
  3. Turn the key to position ON (indication lights up)
  4. Hold TRIP 10 seconds until the message appears SERVICE DONE

If the reset does not occur, check the functionality of the button or contact your dealer to diagnose the unit BCM.

What kind of oil should I put in the Murano Z51 variator?

The only acceptable oil is Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogues:

  • Idemitsu CVTF (article 30050013-006)
  • Ravenol CVT Fluid J1 (article 4014835714417)

Filling volume for complete replacement - 8.2 liters. For partial replacement (draining and filling) - 4.5 liters.

Why does the Murano Z51's "Check Engine" light come on after refueling?

Most often this is due to:

  • 🛢️ Bad gasoline (octane number below 95)
  • 🔧 A loose gas cap (EVAP system detects vapor leakage)
  • 🔥 Dirty spark plugs (needs replacement)

To reset an error:

  1. Turn off the engine
  2. Open and close the gas cap
  3. Start the car and drive 10–15 km

If the lamp does not go out, run diagnostics using a scanner (common errors: P0420, P0456, P0300).

How to disable Start/Stop system on Murano Z51?

System Idling Stop disabled in two ways:

Temporary shutdown:

  • Click the button A/O on the center console (switches off until the next engine start)

Permanent shutdown (requires diagnostic equipment):

1. Подключите сканер к разъёму OBD-II

2. Перейдите в блок BCM (Body Control Module)


3. Найдите параметр "Idling Stop Function" и установите значение "OFF"


4. Сохраните настройки и перезагрузите BCM (снять клемму аккумулятора на 10 минут)

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the system Start/Stop may lead to an increase in fuel consumption by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km.