Second generation crossover Nissan Murano, known from the factory as the Z51, was a real turning point for the brand in the full-size SUV segment. While the first model looked more like a utilitarian car with a pretense of style, the Z51 received a futuristic design developed in the company's California office, which instantly attracted the attention of the public. This car offered a completely new level of comfort, dynamics and technology, becoming a direct competitor for Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
Production of this model started in 2008 and continued until 2014, after which the car gave way to an updated version. Over these six years, engineers managed to carry out several restylings, improving the suspension and updating the multimedia system. For many buyers in the secondary market, it is Nissan Murano 2nd generation represents the perfect balance between price, age and modern equipment, although it is not without a number of design features that are worth knowing about in advance.
Design and exterior: Futurism on the roads
The appearance of the car has been completely rethought. Designers abandoned angular shapes in favor of smooth lines and streamlined contours. The interior, like the outside, has premium materials, but in terms of durability, some interior elements raise questions among owners with high mileage. The main element of the style was the radiator grille V-motion, which later became a signature feature of all cars of the brand.
The car's ground clearance is 180 mm, which allows you to feel confident on light off-road conditions, although this is still a city crossover. The overall dimensions of the body allow parking in standard urban conditions, but at the same time there is room inside for five adult passengers. The rear doors have an increased opening angle, which greatly facilitates entry and exit, as well as loading luggage.
A design feature is the use of a large number of chrome elements, which over time may require restoration or replacement if damaged. The interior is decorated with high-quality plastic and leather, but cracks often appear on the dashboard due to temperature changes. The rear row of seats folds in a 60/40 ratio, increasing the luggage compartment volume to 1,600 liters.
Engines and transmission: The heart of the car
Under the hood Nissan Murano the second generation hides only one type of power unit - a gasoline V-shaped six-cylinder engine VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters. This engine is a Nissan legend, having a high margin of safety with proper maintenance. The power of the unit varies depending on the market and year of manufacture: in the USA it is 265 hp, and for the Russian market the power was reduced to 234 hp. to comply with environmental regulations and taxes.
Paired with the engine is a continuously variable transmission CVT manufactured by Jatco. It is this unit that is the main point of failure in the entire vehicle structure. The CVT provides smooth acceleration and excellent acceleration dynamics to 100 km/h, which is about 8.5 seconds. However, the resource of the unit directly depends on the quality of the transmission fluid and the driving style of the owner.
- 🚗 Engine
VQ35DErequires oil changes every 7-8 thousand kilometers to preserve the resource. - ⚙️ CVT Jatco RE0F10D is sensitive to overheating, so the automatic transmission cooling radiator must be clean.
- 🛢️ The recommended type of engine oil is 5W-30 or 10W-40 with API SL/SM approval.
All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4 allows you to switch between driving modes: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive with fixed distribution and differential lock mode. This makes it possible to confidently move on snowy roads or light off-road conditions. The electronics independently distribute torque between the axles depending on the grip of the wheels on the road.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a car with more than 100,000 km, be sure to check the condition of the variator. Noise, kicking or jerking when changing gears can signal an imminent major overhaul, which is expensive.
Technical characteristics and equipment
The car's configurations were quite rich even in the basic versions. Standard equipment included climate control, airbags, stabilization system and a multimedia system with CD/MP3 support. In top versions Platinum or SE there was a leather interior, heated all seats, a panoramic roof and a navigation system.
The car chassis is built on a platform unified with Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti FX. The front suspension is independent MacPherson type, the rear is multi-link. This design provides an excellent balance between comfort and handling, although roll in corners is still present due to the high center of gravity. The steering has electric power steering, which can be adjusted to suit different driving modes.
| Characteristics | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine size | 3498 cc cm |
| Power (USA/RF) | 265 / 234 hp |
| Torque | 336 Nm |
| Drive | Full (All-Mode 4x4) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
In terms of safety, the car received high ratings in crash tests. The TPMS tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all trims. The rear seats are equipped with an ISOFIX child seat mounting system, making the car an excellent choice for families with children.
- Front
- Rear
- Full (All-Mode 4x4)
Typical faults and weaknesses
Despite the reliability of the engine, electrics and some suspension components give owners a lot of trouble. A common problem is the failure of a generator that burns out due to power surges. Owners also complain about the failure of the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, which leads to difficulty starting the engine.
The suspension on Russian road surfaces requires attention. Front control arm silent blocks and shock absorbers may require replacement after 60-80 thousand kilometers. Rear shock absorbers often begin to clatter due to wear on the mounts, and the anti-roll bar becomes ineffective under heavy loads.
- ⚡ The generator often fails due to problems with the diode bridge.
- 🔧 The steering rack may start to knock, especially when driving on uneven roads.
- 🌡️ The coolant temperature sensor sometimes shows incorrect data.
The engine cooling system also has its own characteristics. The pump often fails prematurely, and the thermostat can become stuck in the closed position, leading to overheating. The air conditioner radiator is located in the front part and is often damaged by stones, which leads to freon leakage.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a whistle from under the hood when starting the engine, this may indicate wear on the alternator belt or tensioner. Ignoring this symptom can lead to a broken belt and engine shutdown.
☑️ Check before purchase
Maintenance and operation
For long-term and trouble-free operation of the vehicle, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the maintenance regulations. The engine oil should be changed every 7-8 thousand kilometers, and not once every 15 thousand, as the manufacturer recommends for ideal conditions. The use of high-quality oils and filters is the key to a long engine life VQ35DE.
The variator requires special attention. An automatic transmission oil change should be carried out every 40-50 thousand kilometers. You should only use original NS-2 or NS-3 fluid; analogues can lead to rapid wear of the clutches and valve body. It is also recommended to regularly check the oil level and filter condition.
The ignition system requires replacement of spark plugs every 40 thousand kilometers. Delay in replacement may result in misfire and failure of the ignition coils. The ignition coils on this engine are consumables and often require replacement.
What to do if the variator overheats?
If the variator overheating indicator comes on, you must stop immediately and turn off the engine. Continued driving may cause permanent damage to the torque converter and steel wheels. After cooling, check the oil level and the operation of the radiator fan.
The car body has good anti-corrosion protection, but in conditions of aggressive reagents it is necessary to regularly wash the bottom and arches. The paintwork is quite soft and prone to chipping, so it is recommended to use protective film on the hood and fenders.
Before purchasing a vehicle, be sure to check the service history. The absence of records of oil changes in the variator is a red flag that requires careful diagnosis of the unit.
Used Car Market: What to Watch
When choosing a used one Nissan Murano second generation, it is important to pay attention to the actual mileage. Due to the characteristics of the speedometer and mileage, many sellers twist the readings. Check the condition of the steering wheel, pedals and seats - they must correspond to the declared mileage. It is also worth checking the car's history against databases for any accident damage.
Pay special attention to the condition of the body. Rust on the sills, arches and underbody can be hidden under a layer of paint. Inspect the joints of the parts and the places where the fender liners are attached. The presence of traces of repainting may indicate serious accidents in the past.
- 🔍 Check the operation of all electronic systems: air conditioning, heated seats, power windows.
- 🛣️ Take a test drive in different driving modes, paying attention to the operation of the variator.
- 💧 Inspect the cooling system for antifreeze leaks.
The price of a car depends on the year of manufacture, configuration and condition. On average, for a car produced in 2010-2012 they ask from 1.2 to 1.8 million rubles. More recent copies from 2013-2014 can cost up to 2.2 million rubles. You should not chase the lowest price, as hidden defects can cost much more.
When buying a 2nd generation Murano, the priority should be the condition of the CVT and engine, not the appearance and richness of the equipment.
Conclusion: Is it worth buying?
Nissan Murano The second generation is a car that combines style, comfort and dynamics. It offers a unique design that still looks relevant today and a powerful engine that delivers excellent dynamics. However, purchasing this vehicle requires careful preparation and an understanding of potential problems.
If you're willing to pay attention to regular maintenance and can handle the potential expense of CVT repairs, this car is a great choice. It will give you driving pleasure and comfort on long trips. But if you're looking for a car that doesn't require attention, it might be worth considering other options.
Ultimately, Nissan Murano Z51 remains one of the most attractive offers on the aftermarket full-size crossovers. Its unique character and high level of comfort make it a desirable car for many drivers. The main thing is to approach the choice wisely and responsibly.
What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine in Murano?
With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality consumables, the VQ35DE engine can travel more than 300,000 kilometers without major repairs. However, ignoring maintenance can cut this period in half.
How reliable is the Jatco CVT on this car?
The Jatco RE0F10D variator has an average resource of about 150,000 - 200,000 km. The resource directly depends on operating conditions and regularity of oil changes. In urban environments with frequent traffic jams, the resource may be less.
What are the main electrical problems encountered?
Frequent problems include failure of the generator, crankshaft position sensors, and malfunctions in the climate control system. There are also problems with the operation of the multimedia system and the navigation screen.
Can the car be used for light off-roading?
Yes, the All-Mode 4x4 all-wheel drive system allows you to confidently drive in snow, mud and light off-road conditions. However, this is not an SUV, and serious off-roading can damage the suspension or transmission.