Nissan Murano Z50 - a third-generation crossover, produced from 2015 to 2023, which replaced the popular model Z51. Gasoline engines were installed under the hood of this car. VQ35DD (3.5 l) and hybrid power units that require a special approach to the selection of engine oil. Incorrect selection of lubricant can lead to increased turbine wear (on hybrids), problems with the system VVEL or even to engine failure due to clogged oil passages when using oils with the wrong viscosity in frosts below -30°C.

In this article we will analyze manufacturer's official requirements to oil for Murano Z50, compare the best brands (from Nissan Original to Liqui Moly), we’ll tell you about the nuances of replacement, taking into account the characteristics of the engine VQ35DD, and also answer frequently asked questions from owners. We will pay special attention to the problems that car owners face when switching to synthetics after semi-synthetics and vice versa.

Official Nissan oil requirements for Murano Z50

The manufacturer clearly regulates the parameters of engine oil for Nissan Murano Z50 in the service documentation. Main criteria:

  • 🔹 API/ILSAC approvals: SN PLUS or SP (for gasoline engines), GF-5 or GF-6. For hybrid versions - an additional requirement Nissan Hybrid Oil.
  • 🔹 SAE Viscosity: 0W-20 (priority choice), 5W-30 (for regions with hot climates). Viscosity 5W-40 allowed only with mileage over 150,000 km.
  • 🔹 Nissan Specifications: KE900-90132 (original oil) or analogues with approval Nissan Strong Save II.

Important: for engines VQ35DD with the system VVEL (continuously changing valve timing) it is critical to use oils with low phosphorus and sulfur content (no more than 0.08% and 0.5% respectively). Exceeding these values leads to valve coking and reducing the timing chain life.

⚠️ Attention: Oils with viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 absolutely not suitable for Murano Z50, even if they comply with API SN. Such oils do not provide sufficient protection during cold starts and may cause oil starvation in the first seconds of engine operation.
Parameter Petrol VQ35DD (3.5 l) Hybrid version
Recommended viscosity 0W-20, 5W-30 0W-20 (required)
Oil volume (with filter) 4.8 l 4.5 l
Replacement interval 10,000 km or 1 year 15,000 km or 1 year
API clearance SN PLUS, SP SN PLUS + Nissan Hybrid Oil
📊 What oil do you use in your Nissan Murano Z50?
  • Original Nissan 0W-20
  • Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30
  • Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20
  • Castrol Edge 0W-20
  • Other

The best motor oils for Nissan Murano Z50: rating 2026

Based on tests from independent laboratories (including Oil Club And AutoExpress) and owner reviews Murano Z50, we have compiled a rating of oils that are optimal for this crossover. The selection criteria were: compliance with tolerances, stability of viscosity at high temperatures (up to +150°C), protection from LSPI (pre-knock ignition) and system compatibility VVEL.

  • 🥇 Nissan Strong Save II 0W-20 (article KE900-90132) - original oil with improved detergent additives. Suitable for hybrids. Average price: 4,200 rubles/4 l.
  • 🥈 Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30 - the best choice for regions with temperature changes. It has high thermal-oxidative stability. Price: RUB 3,800/5 l.
  • 🥉 Mobil 1 ESP 0W-20 - Fully synthetic oil with low SAPS (sulfated ash) content. Ideal for engines with mileage over 100,000 km. Price: 4,500 rubles/4 l.
  • 🔹 Idemitsu Zepro Touring 0W-20 — Japanese oil with excellent anti-friction properties. Recommended for aggressive riding style. Price: 3,500 rubles/4 l.
  • 🔹 Castrol Edge 0W-20 - oil with technology Titanium FST, reducing wear by 30%. Suitable for turbocharged versions. Price: 4,000 rubles/4 l.

For hybrid versions Murano Z50 It is mandatory to use oils labeled Nissan Hybrid Oil or JASO DL-1. These oils contain special additives that prevent electrical erosion at the points of contact between pistons and cylinders during operation of the electric motor.

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If you live in a region with frosts below -30°C, give preference to oil 0W-20 with a pour point no higher than -45°C (indicated on the label). For example, Mobil 1 Arctic 0W-20 or Motul Specific 0W-20.

When and how often to change the oil in Murano Z50?

Official regulations Nissan provides for oil changes every 10,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first). However, this interval is only relevant for ideal operating conditions:

  • 🛣️ Smooth driving style without sudden acceleration.
  • 🌡️ Ambient temperature from -20°C to +30°C.
  • 🚗 Use fuel with an octane rating of at least 95.
  • 🔄 No frequent short trips (less than 10 km).

In real conditions (city traffic jams, frequent cold starts, off-road driving), the replacement interval should be reduced:

Operating conditions Recommended replacement interval
City cycle (traffic jams, short trips) 7,000–8,000 km
Aggressive driving style (frequent acceleration, high revs) 6,000–7,000 km
Extreme temperatures (below -30°C or above +35°C) 7,000 km
Using 92 octane fuel 8,000 km

For hybrid versions, the replacement interval can be extended to 15,000 km, but subject to the use of oils with approval Nissan Hybrid Oil and regular diagnostics of the oil condition through oil dipstick (should remain transparent without black inclusions).

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If you notice that the oil on the dipstick has become cloudy or has metal particles, replace it immediately - this is a sign of the beginning of destruction of the crankshaft bearings or camshafts.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in a Nissan Murano Z50

Changing the oil in Murano Z50 does not require special skills, but has several nuances related to the location of the oil filter and drain plug. To work you will need:

  • 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Oil filter puller (76 mm “cup” type).
  • 🛢️ New oil (4.8 l for the gasoline version).
  • 🔄 New oil filter (original - 15208-9F60A).
  • 🧰 Funnel and container for working out (minimum 5 l).

Sequence of actions:

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous and completely drains.
  2. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. The drain plug is located right (in the direction of travel) on a pallet.
  3. Unscrew the drain plug with a 14 mm wrench and drain the oil into a container. Attention: The plug has a magnet - clean it of metal shavings.
  4. Replace the oil filter. It is located front of the engine, closer to the radiator. Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
  5. Screw in the drain plug with a new sealing ring (tightening torque: 35 Nm).
  6. Fill in new oil through the filler neck (located on the left side of the valve cover). First fill in 4 liters, then top up to the mark MAX on the dipstick.
  7. Start the engine and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. Check the oil level and add if necessary.

The drain plug is tightened (torque 35 Nm)|The oil filter is installed without distortions|The oil level is between MIN and MAX on the dipstick|No leaks from under the plug and filter|The maintenance counter has been reset (via the on-board computer menu)

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Feature Murano Z50: After changing the oil, you need to reset the maintenance counter. To do this:

  1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
  2. Click the button TRIP on the dashboard and hold it for 10 seconds.
  3. Go to menu Maintenance using the buttons on the steering wheel.
  4. Select Oil Change and confirm the reset.
What happens if you don’t reset the maintenance counter?

If you do not reset the counter, the on-board computer will continue counting from the previous interval, which may lead to untimely oil changes. In addition, during the next maintenance, the dealer may refuse warranty service, citing non-compliance with the regulations.

Common mistakes when choosing and changing oil

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that can lead to serious engine damage. VQ35DD. Here are the most common ones:

  • 🚫 Using oil with a viscosity of 5W-40 instead of 0W-20. This leads to increased fuel consumption (up to 5%) and accelerated wear of the timing chain.
  • 🚫 Buying cheap filters (For example, Framm or SCT). Low-quality filters do not retain particles smaller than 20 microns, which leads to abrasive wear cylinders
  • 🚫 Underfilling or overfilling of oil. Underfilling leads to oil starvation, and overfilling (higher MAX on the dipstick) - to foaming of the oil and damage to the seals.
  • 🚫 Ignoring engine flushing when switching from one type of oil to another (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic). Residues from the old oil can react with the additives in the new oil, forming sludge.
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the dipstick appears foam or emulsion, this is a sign of antifreeze getting into the oil. Stop driving the vehicle immediately and check the cylinder head gasket or heat exchanger.

Another common mistake is use of additives (For example, Suprotec or Xado) unnecessarily. In oils for Murano Z50 already contains an optimal additive package, and additional additives can upset the balance and lead to clogging of oil channels.

How to check the quality of oil during operation?

Monitoring the condition of the oil between changes will help avoid serious breakdowns. Here's what to check:

  1. Oil level: Check at least once every 1,000 km. The level should be between the marks MIN And MAX on the dipstick. Carry out the check on cold engine (5-10 minutes after stopping).
  2. Color and consistency:
    • ✅ Normal: transparent or slightly yellowish.
    • ⚠️ Needs replacement: dark brown, cloudy.
    • ❌ Critical condition: black, with metal particles or flakes.
  • Smell: if the oil smells gasoline or burning, this is a sign of problems with the piston rings or turbine (on hybrids).
  • Foam or emulsion: Indicates water or antifreeze ingress. Requires urgent diagnosis.

    • For more accurate diagnosis, you can use rapid tests:

    • 🧪 Test strips (For example, Oil Check) - determine the level of pollution and the presence of metals.
    • 🔬 Laboratory analysis (in OilClub or Modeng) - shows additive content, viscosity and the presence of wear particles.

    If you notice that the oil turns black quickly (in less than 3,000 km), this may indicate:

    • 🔥 Problems with crankcase ventilation system (clogged PCV valve).
    • 🛢️ Using low-quality fuel (high sulfur content).
    • 🔧 Wear piston rings or valve stem seals.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil for Nissan Murano Z50

    Can I use 5W-30 oil instead of 0W-20 in Murano Z50?

    Yes, but only in regions with a hot climate (average temperature above +25°C). Oil 5W-30 has a higher viscosity at low temperatures, which can complicate cold starts in winter. For most regions of Russia 0W-20 remains the best choice.

    Which oil filter is better for Murano Z50: original or analogue?

    Original filter (15208-9F60A) is guaranteed to meet the requirements, but there are high-quality analogues:

    • 🔹 Mann W719/45 - the best in terms of price/quality ratio.
    • 🔹 Bosch 0451103336 — high resource (up to 15,000 km).
    • 🔹 Mahle OC507D - optimal for hybrid versions.

    Avoid cheap filters (Framm, SCT) - they do not provide proper filtration.

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

    Flushing is required in the following cases:

    • 🔄 When switching from one type of oil to another (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic).
    • 🛢️ If the previous oil was of low quality or fake.
    • 🚗 When buying a used car with an unknown service history.

    For rinsing use soft flushing oils (For example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line), and not aggressive “five minutes”.

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

    There may be several reasons:

    1. 🛢️ Low oil level — check the dipstick and add if necessary.
    2. 🔧 Faulty oil pump - requires diagnostics.
    3. 🛠️ Clogged oil filter - try replacing it with a new one.
    4. 🔥 Poor quality oil - if the indicator lights up after warming up, the oil may have lost viscosity.

    If the indicator flashes at idle, immediately turn off the engine and contact service.

    What oil should I fill in a Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 150,000 km?

    For engines with high mileage it is recommended:

    • 🔹 Increase viscosity to 5W-30 or 5W-40 (but not higher!).
    • 🔹 Use oils with increased content of detergent additives (For example, Castrol Magnatec or Mobil Super 3000).
    • 🔹 Reduce replacement interval to 7,000–8,000 km.

    Avoid oils with a high ash content (more than 1.0%) - they accelerate the formation of deposits.