Nissan Murano The 2008 model year is a crossover that has become a symbol of the era thanks to its futuristic design and non-standard solutions. Belonging to the first generation (Z51), released in 2002, but restyled in 2005, this car is still of interest to buyers on the secondary market. On the one hand, Murano offers a spacious interior, powerful V6-engine and all-wheel drive, and on the other hand, it has a number of “childhood diseases” that are important to know about in advance.

In this article we will look at Nissan Murano 2008 from all sides: from technical characteristics to typical problems that may await the owner. You will learn what to look for during inspection, which parts most often fail, and whether this crossover is even worth considering as an option for purchase in 2026. We will also compare it with the main competitors of that time and give practical advice on operation.

Specifications Nissan Murano 2008 (Z51)

Under the hood Murano 2008 hiding 3.5 liter VQ35DE petrol engine - one of the most reliable engines in the line Nissan. This one V6 with an aluminum block gives 245 hp at 6000 rpm And 330 Nm torque. Works with him continuously variable transmission (CVT) Jatco RE0F10A, which was an innovation at the time of its release, but today requires special attention.

Drive Murano - full (AWD), with the system All-Mode 4WDbutton to select the mode 2WD, Auto or Lock (for off-road use). Independent suspension: front - MacPherson, behind - multi-lever. Ground clearance is 200 mm, which makes the crossover quite passable for the city and light off-road.

Parameter Meaning
Engine VQ35DE, 3.5 l, V6, 245 hp
Gearbox CVT Jatco RE0F10A
Drive Full (AWD) with modes 2WD/Auto/Lock
Fuel consumption (city/highway) 14.5 / 9.8 l per 100 km
Trunk volume 453 l (1840 l with seats folded)

Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approx. 8.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h. For a crossover of those years, these were quite decent figures. However, today, given the age of the car, the actual figures may differ - especially if the CVT or engine has not received proper maintenance.

Weaknesses and typical problems

Nissan Murano 2008 - a car with character, and it has several "sore" spots that every potential buyer should be aware of. The main headache for owners is variator Jatco RE0F10A. When running for 150,000 km Without regular oil changes, it begins to “kick”, loses dynamics and can completely fail. Repairs will cost 100,000–150,000 rubles, and replacement with a contract one - from 200,000 rubles.

The second common problem is oil leaks from under the valve cover and seals. Engine VQ35DE known to be oil-hungry, especially if the oil has been changed less frequently than every 10,000 km. Also worth checking:

  • 🔋 Starter - often fails after 200,000 km.
  • 🔥 Ignition coils — can “break through” at high mileages.
  • 🚗 Wheel bearings — they start buzzing after 150,000 km.
  • 💡 Headlights — plastic glasses become cloudy, and lamps burn out more often than usual.

⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive Murano twitches during acceleration or makes a grinding noise when switching CVT modes - this is a direct signal for diagnostics. Often these symptoms indicate wear on the CVT belt or bearings, and ignoring the problem will lead to costly repairs.

One more nuance - electronics. Engine control unit (ECU) can be buggy, especially if the owners have previously experimented with firmware. Throttle position sensors and oxygen sensors also often fail (lambda probes).

📊 What is the mileage of your Nissan Murano?
  • Up to 100,000 km
  • 100,000–150,000 km
  • 150,000–200,000 km
  • More than 200,000 km

What to look for when buying on the secondary market

Upon examination Nissan Murano 2008 start with checking service history. If the car was serviced by an official dealer or a trusted service center, this is a big plus. Please note the following points:

  • 📝 Changing the oil in the variator - must be carried out every 60,000 km (and not 100,000, as recommended Nissan).
  • 🔧 Timing belt condition - on VQ35DE it changes every 100,000–120,000 km.
  • 🚘 Mileage - if it is less 150,000 km, but the car is in poor condition, most likely the numbers are twisted.
  • 💰 Availability of guarantee — some services provide a guarantee for the variator after repair.

Be sure to spend computer diagnostics — it will show errors in the engine, gearbox and electronics. Pay special attention to the codes associated with P0776 (variator solenoid malfunction) and P0300 (misfire).

Checking the oil in the variator (color, smell, level)|

Test drive with sharp acceleration and braking|

Inspection on the lift (leaks, suspension condition)|

Electronics diagnostics (on-board computer, sensors)|

Checking documentation (service book, PTS) -->

Don't be lazy to crawl under the car and take a look. suspension arms, silent blocks and shock absorbers. On runs for 200,000 km they most often require replacement. Also check brake discs and pads — their wear may indicate the driving style of the previous owner.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In 2008 Nissan Murano There were several direct competitors, and comparison with them will help you understand whether this particular crossover is worth choosing. Main alternatives:

  • 🚙 Toyota Highlander (XU40) - more reliable, but more boring to manage. Engine 2GR-FE (3.5 l) is less voracious, and the automatic transmission can withstand long runs.
  • 🚗 Honda Pilot (1st generation) - more spacious, but with a problematic automatic transmission (5-speed 5AT) on long runs.
  • 🏎️ Mazda CX-9 (1st generation) — more dynamic and stylish, but the engine 3.7L V6 more picky about the quality of oil.
  • 🔧 Hyundai Santa Fe (CM) - cheaper to maintain, but inferior in comfort and prestige.

Main advantage Murano - this is his design And controllability. It looks futuristic even today, and thanks to its low center of gravity (compared to its competitors) it has better road holding. However, in terms of reliability it loses Toyota Highlander, and for practicality - Honda Pilot.

Model Pros Cons
Nissan Murano (Z51) Stylish design, dynamic engine, comfortable suspension Problematic variator, high fuel consumption
Toyota Highlander (XU40) Reliable engine and automatic transmission, low maintenance costs Dull exterior, less sporty handling
Honda Pilot (1st generation) Spacious interior, good maneuverability Problems with automatic transmission at high mileage

If you care status and appearance, and you are also ready to invest in maintenance - Murano will do. If in first place reliability and efficiency, better take a closer look Toyota or Honda.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

Opinions about Nissan Murano 2008 are divided among owners. Someone praises him for comfort And unusual design, and someone scolds for expensive maintenance And capricious variator. Here are some typical reviews:

✅ Pros (according to owners):

  • 🚀 Excellent dynamics thanks to the motor VQ35DE.
  • 🛋️ Comfortable chairs with good lateral support.
  • 🎨 Unique design that does not lose relevance.
  • 🌧️ Good noise insulation and climate control.

❌ Cons (common complaints):

  • 💸 Expensive repair of the variator.
  • 🛢️ High fuel consumption (up to 16 liters in the city).
  • 🔧 Frequent oil leaks from under the valve cover.
  • 🚨 Problems with electronics (on-board computer, sensors).

Many owners note that when proper maintenance Murano can pass 300,000+ km without serious investments. However, if the previous owner skimped on oil or ignored replacing the timing belt, problems will not be long in coming.

What are they saying about the 2008 Murano's CVT?

According to surveys on forums, about 60% of owners encountered CVT problems after 150,000 km. The main complaints: jerks during acceleration, delays when switching modes and noise from the gearbox. Many recommend changing CVT oil every 40,000–50,000 km, and not 60,000, as the manufacturer advises. It is also a popular opinion that the variator Jatco RE0F10A does not like aggressive driving and frequent slipping.

If you are considering Murano as a family car, pay attention to reviews about suspension reliability. On runs for 200,000 km replacement is often required:

  • 🔩 Wheel bearings (average price - 15,000 rubles per pair).
  • 🔧 Shock absorbers (original ones cost from 20,000 rubles per set).
  • 🚗 Silent blocks of levers (wear out by 180,000 km).

Cost of ownership: how much does it cost to maintain a 2008 Murano

Purchase Nissan Murano 2008 on the secondary market it will cost 600,000–900,000 rubles, depending on mileage and condition. However, the main costs begin after the purchase. Here are approximate prices for key work and spare parts:

Service/Part Cost (RUB) Frequency
Changing the oil in the variator 8 000–12 000 Every 60,000 km
Timing belt + rollers 25 000–35 000 Every 100,000 km
Replacing wheel bearings (pair) 15 000–25 000 150,000–200,000 km
Electronics diagnostics 3 000–5 000 When errors occur
Replacing brake discs + pads (front) 20 000–30 000 Every 80,000–100,000 km

Medium monthly budget for maintenance Murano (excluding fuel) is 10,000–15,000 rubles. This includes:

  • 🛢️ Consumables (oils, filters, candles - ~5,000 rubles/month).
  • 🔧 Repair fund (for unforeseen breakdowns - ~5,000–10,000 rubles).
  • 🚗 Insurance (CASCO will cost ~50,000–80,000 rubles/year).
💡

Before purchasing Murano Be sure to check the availability of spare parts in your area. Some parts (for example, a variator control unit) can be delivered to order up to 2-3 weeks.

Compared with competitors, then Toyota Highlander costs less by 20–30%, and Honda Pilot - approximately at the same level. However Murano wins in terms of comfort And appearance, which for many becomes a decisive factor.

Modifications and tuning: what can be improved

Nissan Murano 2008 - an excellent base for tuning, especially if you want to stand out on the road. Here are some popular areas for modernization:

  • 🔥 Engine:
    • Installation exhaust manifold 4-2-1 (adds ~10–15 hp).
    • Firmware ECU under 95 gasoline (improves performance at high speeds).
    • Replacing the air filter with nulevik (For example, K&N).
  • 🚗 Suspension and brakes:
    • Installation spacers to increase ground clearance (up to +30 mm).
    • Replacing shock absorbers with gas-oil (For example, Bilstein B4).
    • Upgrading brake discs perforated (better cooling).
  • 🎨 Exterior and interior:
    • Window tinting (allowed standard - 30% for the front ones).
    • Installation LED optics instead of standard halogen headlights.
    • Interior trim leather or alcantara (increases comfort).

If you are planning serious tuning, pay attention to problems with the variator. Increasing engine power without upgrading the gearbox can lead to premature wear. Many owners in such cases install 6-speed automatic from Nissan Pathfinder R51, but this requires serious improvements and investments (from 300,000 rubles).

💡

Any engine tuning Murano with a variator requires mandatory modernization of the CVT cooling system. Otherwise, the box will overheat and fail.

For those who want to improve appearance, but not ready for serious investments, the following will do:

  • 🖌️ Vinyl caps on standard wheels.
  • 🔦 LED interior lighting (for example, in the legs or glove compartment).
  • 🎵 Installing a radio with Apple CarPlay (replacement of the standard system).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2008 Nissan Murano

❓ How much oil should I pour into the VQ35DE engine?

To the engine VQ35DE Nissan Murano 2008 is poured 4.5 liters of oil (with filter replacement). Recommended viscosity - 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic). It is better to use original oil Nissan 5W-40 KE900-90042 or analogues from Mobil 1, Liqui Moly.

❓ Can you tow a trailer on a 2008 Murano?

Yes, Nissan Murano 2008 officially allows towing a trailer weighing up to 1,500 kg (with brakes). However, when towing:

  • Use the mode Lock for uniform load distribution.
  • Check the oil temperature in the CVT (if the box overheats, it may fail).
  • Don't speed 90 km/h.
❓ Which tires are best for Murano 2008?

Factory wheel size - 235/65 R18. Suitable for winter:

  • Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (soft, good grip on ice).
  • Michelin X-Ice North 4 (durable, low noise).

For summer:

  • Continental CrossContact LX2 (comfortable, wear-resistant).
  • Pirelli Scorpion Verde (good handling on wet roads).

Tire pressure: 2.3 bar front and rear (for standard load).

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of the Murano 2008?

According to the passport, the expense is 14.5 l/100 km in the city and 9.8 l/100 km on the highway. However, in real conditions, owners note the following figures:

  • 🏙️ City (traffic) — 16–18 l/100 km.
  • 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h) — 10–12 l/100 km.
  • ❄️ Winter (warm-ups, short trips) - up to 20 l/100 km.

To reduce consumption it is recommended:

  • Use mode 2WD on a dry road.
  • Monitor tire pressure.
  • Avoid sudden acceleration (the variator “eats” a lot of fuel under load).
❓ Should you buy a 2008 Murano today?

✅ Yes, if:

  • You like its design and are willing to invest in maintenance.
  • Have you found a copy with mileage up to 150,000 km and complete maintenance history.
  • You don't plan to drive aggressively or tow heavy trailers.

❌ No if:

  • You are looking for the most reliable and inexpensive crossover to maintain.
  • Do you need an off-road vehicle? Murano no downshift).
  • You are not ready to spend 10,000–15,000 rub./month for content.

Alternatives: Toyota Highlander (more reliable) Honda Pilot (more spacious) Mazda CX-9 (more dynamic).