Nissan NS-3 oil: technical specifications, analogues and correct replacement

Oil Nissan NS-3 is a proprietary synthetic lubricant designed specifically for modern engines Nissan taking into account their design features. It meets the strict standards of the Japanese manufacturer and provides optimal protection of parts under extreme loads, high temperatures and long replacement intervals. However, there are many myths surrounding this oil: from statements about its “uniqueness” to disputes about the advisability of using analogues.

In this article we will look at all key aspects: from official specifications and part numbers to practical recommendations for replacement. You will find out what NS-3 different from previous generations of oils Nissan (For example, NS-2), which analogues are really suitable for replacement without risk to the engine, and how to choose the right viscosity depending on climatic conditions. We will pay special attention hidden nuances that are not indicated in the manuals - for example, why in some models Nissan Qashqai And X-Trail After changing the oil, the pressure lamp may come on, and how to avoid this.

Official specifications and part numbers for Nissan NS-3 oil

Oil Nissan NS-3 belongs to the category completely synthetic lubricants and meets several key standards:

• 🔹 API SN/GF-5 - a modern quality class for gasoline engines, guaranteeing protection against deposits and wear.
• 🔹 ILSAC GF-5 - an energy-saving standard that reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency.
• 🔹 Nissan KE900-90042 — internal manufacturer code confirming the originality of the product.
• 🔹 Viscosity 5W-30 — optimal balance for most climatic zones of Russia, including frosts down to -30°C.

The original oil is supplied in cans with a volume of 1 l, 4 l And 20 l (for service centers). Articles for ordering:

Volume, l	Article	Barcode (EAN)	Approximate price, ₽
1	KE900-90042	4989592040042	800–1 200
4	KE900-90044	4989592040044	2 500–3 500
20	KE900-90045	4989592040045	12 000–15 000

⚠️ Attention: There are often counterfeits of the original oil on the market. Nissan NS-3. The original canister has:

• 🔍 Holographic logo sticker Nissan on the neck.
• 🔍 Production date, applied by laser (not typographically).
• 🔍 Tamper-proof lid (you can hear a click when you first open it).

Differences between NS-3 and previous generations (NS-2, NS-1)

Oil NS-3 replaced NS-2 in 2016 and has several key improvements:

1. Increased thermal-oxidative stability. Thanks to the new additive formula, the oil retains its viscosity properties longer at high temperatures (up to 150°C), which is critical for turbocharged engines Nissansuch as MR20DD or QR25DER.
2. Reduced phosphorus and sulfur content. This extends the life of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in diesel models.
3. Improved cleaning properties. Laboratory tests show that NS-3 20% more effective in removing sludge and varnish deposits compared to NS-2.

However, the transition from NS-2 on NS-3 not always justified. For example, in engines Nissan Almera G15 (model HR16DE) with mileage over 150,000 km thicker oil NS-2 (5W-40) can better compensate for the natural wear of piston rings. Important: if your car was manufactured before 2016, check the compatibility in the manual - some models officially require NS-2.

What happens if you mix NS-3 and NS-2?

Mixing is acceptable in emergency situations (such as a leak on the road), but is not recommended for regular use. NS-3 has a more modern additive package, and their interaction with NS-2 may lead to:

• 🔸 Accelerated oil oxidation (service life is reduced by 30%).
• 🔸 Loss of cleaning properties (risk of deposits forming on valves).
• 🔸 Increased foam formation at high speeds.

After mixing, replace the oil and filter within 1,000 km.

Analogues of Nissan NS-3: what can be filled without risk

Original oil NS-3 not always available in price or region. Fortunately, there are several proven alternatives that meet the specifications API SN/ILSAC GF-5 and have similar viscosity characteristics. The main rule when choosing an analogue: viscosity should be 5W-30, and tolerances are not lower API SN.

List of recommended analogues (based on test results from independent laboratories and owner reviews):

• 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 - optimal choice for turbocharged engines (MR20DDT, M9R). It has a high ash content, but provides excellent wear protection.
• 🛢️ Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30 — German oil with improved cleaning properties. Suitable for engines with direct injection (Nissan Juke, Qashqai J11).
• 🛢️ Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 - a Japanese analogue, close in composition to the original. Recommended for hybrid models (Nissan Note e-Power).
• 🛢️ Castrol Edge Professional A5 5W-30 - used in dealerships Nissan as an alternative NS-3.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid oils labeled API SP (For example, Mobil 1 SP) - despite the higher class, they contain additives that are incompatible with some seals in engines Nissan until 2020 release. Oils with a viscosity are also not recommended 0W-20 (For example, Toyota Genuine Motor Oil), as they do not provide sufficient protection under high loads.

🔹 Check for API SN or ILSAC GF-5 approval on the label

🔹 Make sure the viscosity is exactly 5W-30 (not 5W-40 or 0W-30!)

🔹 Avoid oils marked “For Hybrid” or “Eco” - they have a reduced high-temperature viscosity

🔹 Consult your dealer for your vehicle's VIN

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Oil volumes for popular Nissan models

The amount of oil in the engine depends on the model and type of power unit. Below is a table with exact data for the most common cars Nissan. Please note that the values are given including oil filter replacement (usually added 0.2–0.3 l).

Model	Engine	Oil volume, l	Recommended viscosity
Qashqai J11	MR20DD (2.0)	4.4	5W-30
X-Trail T32	QR25DE (2.5)	4.8	5W-30 or 5W-40*
Juke F15	HR16DE (1.6)	4.3	5W-30
Almera G15	HR16DE (1.6)	4.1	5W-30 or 5W-40**
Navara D40	YD25DDTi (2.5 diesel)	7.4	5W-30 (NS-3 only or equivalents with C3 approval)

*For X-Trail T32 with mileage over 100,000 km oil may be used 5W-40 (For example, Nissan NS-2) to compensate for wear.

**B Almera G15 with engine HR16DE when operating in hot climates (above +35°C) recommended 5W-40.

⚠️ Attention: In diesel engines Nissan (For example, YD25DDTi in Navara or Pathfinder) use of oil without approval C3 (low ash content) leads to premature clogging of the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Original NS-3 has this tolerance, but not all of its analogues correspond to it (for example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 fits and Castrol Magnatec - no).

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil

Changing the engine oil Nissan - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. Below is a universal instruction suitable for most models (Qashqai, X-Trail, Almera etc.). To work you will need:

• 🔧 Oil filter wrench (such as cup type puller 76 mm for MR20DD).
• 🔧 Hexagon 10 mm for the drain plug.
• 🔧 Funnel and container for processing (with a volume of at least 5 l).
• 🔧 New oil filter (see article numbers below).
• 🔧 Torque wrench (optional, for precise tightening of the plug).

Step 1. Warm up the engine

Start the car and let it run 3–5 minutes at idle speed. This will warm the oil, making it less viscous so it drains completely. Do not warm up the engine to operating temperature - enough 40–50°C, otherwise you risk getting burned when draining.

Step 2: Drain the used oil

1. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole.
2. Unscrew the drain plug (located on the oil pan) using a hex wrench 10 mm.
3. Let the oil drain for 10–15 minutes. To speed up the process, you can slightly rock the car to the sides.

Step 3: Replacing the oil filter

The filter is located to the right of the engine (when viewed in the direction of travel). Article numbers of original filters:

• 🔧 15208-9F600 - for gasoline engines (HR16DE, MR20DD).
• 🔧 15208-ED01A - for diesel engines (YD25DDTi).

Before installing the new filter, apply a thin layer of oil to the rubber O-ring. Tighten the filter by hand - Using a wrench may damage the thread.

Step 4. Filling with new oil

Fill in 80–90% from the required volume (see table above), then add to the mark MAX on the dipstick. Start the engine and let it run 1–2 minutes, then check the level again - it may drop due to the filter being full.

1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
2. Press and hold the button TRIP (on the dashboard) for 10 seconds.
3. Release the button when the message appears on the screen OIL RESET.

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Common mistakes when changing oil and their consequences

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can lead to serious engine problems. Here are the most common ones:

1. Overfilling or underfilling oil. Excess oil (+0.5 l from the norm) leads to foaming and loss of pressure, and a deficiency (-0.3 l) - to oil starvation. Symptoms: knocking of hydraulic compensators, lighting of the oil pressure lamp at idle speed.
2. Using the wrong filter. For example, a filter from Toyota (article 90915-YZZF1) looks similar to the original one for Nissan, but has less capacity, which leads to premature clogging.
3. Failure to comply with replacement intervals. In Russian conditions (dust, frequent traffic jams, low temperatures) oil NS-3 loses its properties already after 7,000–8,000 km, not 15,000 km, as stated by the manufacturer.
4. Mixing oils from different manufacturers. Even if both oils are approved API SN, their additives may react to form a precipitate.

⚠️ Attention: If, after changing the oil, the pressure lamp on the instrument panel lights up (especially on Nissan Qashqai J11 with engine MR20DD), don't ignore it! The reasons may be as follows:

• 🔸 Oil pressure sensor (part number) is faulty 25580-4M000).
• 🔸 The oil pump screen is clogged (needs flushing).
• 🔸 Oil with insufficient viscosity was used (for example, 0W-20 instead of 5W-30).

Recommendations for replacement intervals in Russian conditions

Manufacturer Nissan recommends changing the oil every 15,000 km or once a year. However, these intervals are designed for ideal operating conditions (European roads, temperate climate, high-quality fuel). In Russian realities, oil service life reduced by 1.5–2 times.

Optimal replacement intervals for Nissan NS-3:

• 🚗 Urban cycle (traffic jams, frequent starts): 7,000–8,000 km.
• 🚗 Mixed cycle (city + highway): 10,000–12,000 km.
• 🚗 Aggressive driving (high revs, sporty style): 5,000–6,000 km.
• 🚗 Extreme conditions (frost below -30°C, heat above +35°C): 6,000–7,000 km.

⚠️ Attention: In diesel engines Nissan (For example, Navara D40 with YD25DDTi) oil NS-3 degrades faster due to the high sulfur content in Russian diesel fuel. Here the replacement interval should be 6,000–7,000 km, even during quiet operation.

To accurately monitor the oil condition, you can use rapid tests:

• 🧪 Viscosity test: drop the oil from the dipstick onto a piece of paper. If the stain spreads quickly and is light in color, the oil is still suitable. If the stain is dark and does not spread, replacement is required.
• 🧪 Test for the presence of metal shavings: blot the dipstick with a white napkin. Visible metal particles indicate engine wear.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan NS-3 oil

Can NS-3 be used in Nissan engines older than 2010?

Yes, but with reservations. Oil NS-3 backwards compatible with most engines Nissan, released after 2005 (for example, QR25DE, MR20DE). However, for models before 2010 (for example, Nissan Teana J31 with VQ35DE) it is better to use oil with a viscosity 5W-40 (For example, NS-2), since they have larger gaps in friction pairs, and more fluid NS-3 may not provide sufficient protection.

What should I do if, after replacing it with the NS-3, the engine starts to run louder?

Increased noise after an oil change can be caused by:

1. Insufficient oil level — check with a dipstick and add if necessary.
2. Low pressure in the system - typical for engines with worn crankshaft bearings (for example, HR16DE with mileage >200,000 km). In this case, temporarily switch to oil 5W-40.
3. Poor quality filter — some non-original filters have a weak check valve, which causes oil to flow into the sump after stopping the engine.

If the noise does not go away within 500 km, contact for diagnostics - there may be wear on the timing belt or problems with the hydraulic compensators.

Is NS-3 suitable for Nissan hybrid models (eg Note e-Power)?

Yes, Nissan NS-3 certified for use in hybrid powertrains, including Note e-Power And Kicks e-Power. However, there is a nuance here: in hybrids, the internal combustion engine operates in a more gentle mode (lower load and temperature), so the replacement interval can be increased to 12,000–15,000 km. The main thing is to monitor the condition of the oil using tests (see section above).

What kind of oil should I put in a Nissan automatic transmission if NS-3 is recommended?

This is a common misconception! Nissan NS-3 - this is motor oil and it doesn't fit for automatic transmissions. For automatic transmission Nissan (For example, RE0F10D in Qashqai J11) special liquid is used Nissan Matic S (article KE908-99932). Mixing engine and automatic transmission oils will lead to gearbox failure!

Where to buy the original NS-3 at the best price?

Original oil Nissan NS-3 can be purchased:

• 🛒 Official Nissan dealers - guarantee of originality, but the price is 20–30% higher.
• 🛒 Large online stores (For example, Exist.ru, Autodoc) - they often run promotions, but check the reviews of the seller.
• 🛒 Specialized oil stores (For example, Lukoil Station, TNK Magnit) - sometimes they offer discounts when purchasing 4 or more canisters.

Average price per 4 l in 2026: 2 800–3 200 ₽. Beware of cheaper offers 2 500 ₽ — there is a high risk of running into a fake.