Crossover owners Nissan Murano second generation (Z51 body), equipped with a reliable but demanding engine 3.5 V6 (VQ35DE series), are often faced with the dilemma of choosing lubricants. This power unit has a high operating temperature and specific gaps in the friction pair, which makes proper lubrication a critical factor in the longevity of the motor. Incorrect selection can lead to accelerated wear of camshafts or problems with hydraulic lifters.
Many car owners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply fill in “expensive” oil, without taking into account the tolerances and actual operating conditions. For Nissan Murano Z51 Not only viscosity characteristics are important, but also the level of oxidation protection, ash content and the ability to retain suspended particles in the engine mount. In this article we will analyze all the technical nuances so that you can make an informed decision.
Original manufacturer's specifications and approvals
Manufacturing plant Nissan sets clear requirements for motor oils for VQ series engines. In the technical documentation for the model Murano Z51 with motor 3.5 liters, the main focus is on meeting API and ILSAC specifications. Original oil from the brand Nissan often touted as the standard, but it is not the only option that can provide protection.
The key parameter is tolerance SM or newer (SN, SP) according to API classification. For Russian operating conditions, where the climate varies from harsh winters to hot summers, it is critical to comply with viscosity requirements. The manufacturer allows the use of oils with the index 5W-30 as the main option for year-round operation. This is a universal solution that provides easy starting in cold weather and sufficient oil film at high temperatures.
However, if the car is driven primarily in a city with frequent traffic jams, where the engine operates at high speeds under load, some owners switch to thicker compounds. It is important to understand that deviations from factory recommendations for viscosity must be justified by the mileage and condition of the engine. Use of approved oils GF-5 or GF-6 is also the right solution for this model.
⚠️ Attention: Using low viscosity oils (0W-20) unless absolutely necessary can lead to increased oil consumption and a decrease in pressure in the lubrication system on a warm VQ35DE engine.
Choice of viscosity depending on climate and mileage
Oil viscosity determines its fluidity at certain temperatures and is the main selection criterion for the engine. 3.5 V6. For regions with temperate climates, the classic one remains the ideal choice. 5W-30. This oil provides the optimal balance between component protection and fuel economy. It quickly circulates through the system during a cold start, delivering lubricant to hydraulic compensators and phase shifters.
If your Nissan Murano has a high mileage (more than 150,000 km), it is worth considering the option of switching to 5W-40. As mileage increases, the gaps in the friction pair naturally increase, and thicker oil helps maintain the required pressure and reduce waste. Also 10W-40 may be relevant for hot summers or when operating under constant high loads, for example, when towing a trailer.
It is important to note that VQ35DE engines have a VTC (Variable Timing Control) system, which is very sensitive to oil condition. Thick oil can slow down the variable valve timing system, resulting in noisy startup. Therefore, the transition to 40 viscosity should be gradual and reasonable, and not just “just in case.”
- ❄️ 5W-30 — the optimal choice for most regions and mileage up to 150 thousand km.
- 🔥 5W-40 — recommended for engines with mileage over 150 thousand km or for hot climates.
- 🛣️ 10W-40 — permissible only for summer operation in southern latitudes.
Analysis of popular brands and types of oils
The motor oil market offers a huge selection, but for Nissan Murano Z51 It's worth paying attention to brands that specialize in Japanese cars or have proven specification tests API SP. Full Synthetic oils are the only type allowed for this engine. Mineral and semi-synthetic compounds do not withstand the temperature conditions of the VQ35DE.
Among the market leaders are often mentioned Liqui Moly, Shell Helix Ultra, Castrol Magnatec and Idemitsu. Oil Idemitsu is often considered “native” for Japanese engines due to a similar chemical base and additive packages. Liqui Moly Offers excellent cleaning power, which is important for preventing deposits in the system VVT. However, the most important thing is not the brand, but the freshness of the product and the presence of authenticity, since the market is saturated with counterfeit goods.
When choosing a brand, pay attention to the presence of markings on the canister API SN or SP. This ensures that the oil contains sufficient additives to protect against carbon formation and wear. It is also worth considering that Japanese oils often have lower ash content, which is useful for modern exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, although Murano Z51 The requirements for ash content are not as strict as for diesel engines.
You should not chase “sports” oils with aggressive additive packages if you are not racing. For a civilian crossover, stability of performance and cleaning properties are more important. Overpaying for marketing hype lines is often not justified if the base oil meets all factory standards.
⚠️ Attention: Buy oils only from official dealers or large chain stores, as counterfeits from a well-known brand can kill the engine 3.5 V6 a couple of thousand kilometers away.
- Original Nissan 5W-30
- Liqui Moly 5W-40
- Shell Helix 5W-30
- Other (please specify in comments)
Change intervals and oil volume
Official regulations Nissan prescribes an oil change every 15,000 km or once a year, but this condition is designed for ideal operating conditions. In real Russian conditions, taking into account the quality of fuel, short trips and traffic jams, the interval must be reduced. For engine 3.5 Replacement every 7,000 – 8,000 km is considered optimal. This will keep the engine clean and extend the life of the hydraulic compensators.
Engine oil system volume VQ35DE taking into account filter replacement is about 5 liters. A standard 4 liter and one liter can will suffice, but often a little more is required due to the design of the oil pump and channels. It is recommended to buy 5 liter canisters or take 4+1+1 in order to have a reserve for refilling during the service interval.
Be sure to change the oil filter every time you change it. Skimping on the filter can result in dirty oil getting back into the engine. Choose an original filter Nissan or high-quality analogues from Mahle, Wix or Blue Print. The filter must have a high-quality check valve to keep oil in the system after the engine is stopped.
☑️ Preparing for an oil change
Specifics of operation and common problems
Engine VQ35DE in the back Z51 has a number of design features that affect the choice of oil. One of the main problems is engine overheating during long driving on the highway or in traffic jams. Oil loses its properties faster when overheated, so using quality synthetic oils with a high high temperature viscosity index (HTHS) becomes critical.
It is also worth paying attention to the crankcase gas recirculation (PCV) system. If the system does not operate correctly, condensation and combustion products may accumulate in the oil, leading to the formation of sludge. Regular oil changes help minimize this risk, but monitoring the condition of the crankcase ventilation system is also important. If you notice that the oil turns black after 1000 km, this is a reason to check the ventilation system and the operation of the turbine (if it is there, but not at 3.5, then the problem is in the ventilation).
- 🔧 Level control — check the dipstick every 1000 km, as the engine may consume oil.
- 🌡️ Temperature — watch the temperature arrow, overheating is detrimental to engine oil.
- 🚫 No mixing — never mix oils of different brands and types, this may cause sedimentation.
Sometimes owners experience noise during cold starts. This could be a sign that the oil is too thick for winter or that the VTC system is worn out. In such cases, switching to a thinner oil (5W-30 instead of 5W-40) may temporarily solve the problem, but will not eliminate the cause of mechanical wear.
Why does the oil turn black immediately after changing?|VQ35DE engines are prone to carbon deposits under old conditions. If you rarely change your oil or use cheap compounds, the detergent additives in the new high-quality oil will begin to dissolve old deposits, turning the new oil black. This is a normal cleaning process, but if the oil turns black too quickly, it is worth checking the fuel system and crankcase ventilation.-->
Table of recommended oils and parameters
For ease of selection, we have prepared a summary table with the most suitable oils for your Nissan Murano Z51. Data is based on manufacturers' recommendations and reviews from VQ35DE engine owners. Please note that viscosity may be adjusted depending on season and mileage.
Brand and model
Viscosity
Base type
API clearance
Recommendation
Nissan Motor Oil
5W-30
Semi-synthetics
SN
Factory standard
Liqui Moly Synthoil
5W-40
Full synthetic
SN/CF
For long mileage
Shell Helix Ultra
5W-30
Full synthetic
SP
Excellent cleaning power
Idemitsu Zepro
5W-30
Full synthetic
SN
Ideal for Japanese engines
Castrol Magnatec
5W-30
Full synthetic
SN
Good protection at start
When choosing from the list presented, keep in mind that oils with approval SP are the most modern and provide the best protection against wear of chains and phase shifters. If you live in an area with harsh winters, make sure the oil has the index 5W or 0Wto avoid problems with starting and oil starvation in the first seconds of engine operation.
5W or 0Wto avoid problems with starting and oil starvation in the first seconds of engine operation.