Second Nissan Murano (body code Z51) became a real legend among premium crossovers of the early 2010s. Released in 2007 and in production until 2014, this car combined aggressive design, a spacious interior and powerful engines - everything that buyers valued in the heyday of the SUV. But more than ten years have passed, and today Murano Z51 in the secondary market requires a particularly careful approach.
Why is this crossover still in demand? Firstly, thanks reliable Nissan D platformwhich he shared with Nissan Teana And Infiniti EX. Secondly, because of the unique combination of comfort and cross-country ability - rare for that time. However, the model also has critical weaknesses, which sellers often keep silent about. In this article we will look at everything: from technical nuances to hidden problems that can result in expensive repairs.
Technical characteristics and configurations
Nissan Murano 2nd generation was offered with two types of engines, two drives and several equipment levels. Base motor - 3.5 liter V6 VQ35DE (265 hp) - became the calling card of the model. It was combined with a variator Jatco JF011E, which at the time of release was considered one of the most reliable in its class. But there was a second option: 2.5 liter QR25DE (170 hp), which was only available on front-wheel drive versions for some markets (extremely rare in Russia).
Options varied from basic S to top LE Platinum Edition. The latter included:
- 🔥 Leather interior with heated and ventilated front seats
- 🎵 Premium audio system Bose with 11 speakers
- 🚗 Adaptive cruise control and lane change warning system
- 💡 Xenon headlights with automatic adjustment and washers
Important: in 2010, the model was restyled, after which the front bumper, radiator grille and optics changed. There is also a new package CrossCabriolet - convertible on base Murano, but that's a different story.
- 3.5 V6 (265 hp)
- 2.5 (170 hp)
- All-wheel drive is more important to me than power
- I don't know, I need details
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the reputation of a reliable car, Murano Z51 has several critical nodesthat require attention when purchasing. The first is variator Jatco JF011E. With a mileage of over 150,000 km, problems often begin with jerking, delays when switching and overheating. The reason is wear of the belt and cones, as well as oil contamination. Replacing a variator costs 250,000–400,000 rubles, so be sure to check the service history before purchasing.
Second weak point - suspension. Wheel bearings, rear multi-link silent blocks and shock absorbers rarely last longer than 100,000 km. Cars driven on bad roads are especially affected. Third - electronics. Often fail:
- 🔋 Climate control control unit (symptom: air conditioner or stove does not work)
- 🚨 Parking sensors (false alarms or complete failure)
- 🔌 Electric windows (especially rear doors)
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?
If the variator JF011E started to work jerkily, first check the oil level and condition. It should be light, without a burning smell. If the oil is black or has metal shavings, it requires replacement and flushing. If the problem persists, diagnose the solenoids and the degree of belt wear. In 80% of cases, changing the oil and filters helps, but if the mileage exceeds 200,000 km, the variator will most likely need to be repaired or replaced.
Another common problem is oil leaks from under the valve cover and crankshaft seals. On the engine VQ35DE this is often due to clogged oil passages or worn gaskets. If the leak is not repaired in time, oil may get onto the timing belt, which will lead to its breakage and engine overhaul.
⚠️ Attention: Upon examination Murano Z51 Be sure to check the condition of the variator radiator. It often becomes clogged with dirt, which leads to overheating of the transmission. If the radiator is cold when the car is warm, this is a sign of a malfunction.
Prices on the secondary market in 2026
Cost Nissan Murano 2nd generation on the secondary market depends on the year of manufacture, mileage and condition. The table below shows current prices for Russia (as of June 2026):
| Year of manufacture | Mileage, thousand km | Condition | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | 80–120 | Good (no accidents, service history) | 1 200 000 – 1 500 000 |
| 2007–2009 | 120–150 | Average (minor repairs, no history) | 900 000 – 1 100 000 |
| 2013–2014 | 60–90 | Excellent (restyling, all-wheel drive) | 1 600 000 – 1 900 000 |
| Any | 200+ | Needs repair (variator, suspension) | 600 000 – 800 000 |
The price is greatly influenced by availability all-wheel drive (models with 4WD 150,000–200,000 rubles more expensive) and leather interior. Cars in top trim levels (LE, Platinum) even with a mileage of 150,000 km can cost 1,400,000–1,600,000 rubles if they have a full service history.
Before purchasing Murano Z51 check VIN through services Autocode or CarVertical. Pay special attention to the mileage history - it is often twisted, since the life of the variator depends on it.
What to look for when inspecting before purchasing
Upon purchase Nissan Murano 2nd generation It is important to pay attention to several key points. Start with CVT check:
Check the oil on the dipstick (should be light, without a burning smell)
Test the smoothness of acceleration (jerking or delays are a bad sign)
Make sure there are no vibrations at speeds of 60–80 km/h
Listen to the transmission at idle (extraneous noise = bearing wear) -->
Next, inspect body. Murano Z51 suffers from corrosion in the following places:
- 🚗 Thresholds and wheel arches (especially if the car was driven on salty roads)
- 🔩 Rear bumper mounts (rust from the inside)
- 🚪 Bottom edges of doors (often rot after careless washing)
Don't forget to test electronics:
- Turn on all climate control modes (should work without failure).
- Check the heated seats and steering wheel (if equipped).
- Make sure all parking sensors and rear view camera are working properly.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a metallic knock when starting the engine, this may be a sign of a worn timing chain. On VQ35DE The chain lasts 150,000–200,000 km, but if it has not been changed, it can stretch and jump, which will lead to the valves meeting the pistons.
Maintenance and consumables: what and when to change
Nissan Murano Z51 requires regular maintenance, especially if the mileage has exceeded 100,000 km. Here are the main ones routine maintenance and their frequency:
| Knot | Resource (thousand km) | Cost of work (rub.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil in the variator | 60–90 | 8 000–12 000 | Only original oil NS-2 or NS-3 |
| Timing belt (chain) | 150–200 | 25 000–40 000 | On VQ35DE chain, but requires a tension test |
| Brake pads/discs | 40–60 | 15 000–25 000 | Rear discs often “drive” due to corrosion |
| Suspension silent blocks | 80–100 | 20 000–35 000 | Rear control arms fail first |
Pay special attention oil in the variator. Many owners save money and use cheap analogues, but this leads to accelerated wear of solenoids and belt. Original oil Nissan NS-2 or NS-3 is expensive (about 6,000 rubles for 4 liters), but replacing it every 60,000 km will extend the life of the transmission by 100,000+ km.
One more nuance - spark plugs. On VQ35DE It is recommended to install only NGK or Denso with a gap of 1.1 mm. Cheap spark plugs lead to misfires and increased fuel consumption (the norm for a 3.5 V6 is 12–14 l/100 km in the city).
If you buy Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, immediately plan a budget for changing the oil in the variator, brake fluid and silent blocks. This will avoid costly repairs in the future.
Modifications and tuning: what can be improved
Nissan Murano 2nd generation - an excellent basis for tuning, but the approach here must be balanced. Let's start with appearance. Popular improvements:
- 🔥 Installation of LED headlights (for example, Morimoto or Osram LEDriving)
- 🖌️ Vinyl covering of roof or mirrors in gloss black
- 🚘 Easy spoiler on the rear door (suitable from Infiniti FX)
Partially engine owners often put:
- 🔧 Cold air intake (Injen or K&N) - adds 5–10 hp.
- 💨 Exhaust system without catalysts (for example, MagnaFlow)
- 🔥 ECU firmware (chip tuning increases power to 280–290 hp)
But you need to be careful with tuning the CVT. Installation reinforced belt or additional radiator Justified only if you plan to drive aggressively. In other cases, it is enough to change the oil regularly and monitor the temperature.
Popular in the salon:
- 🎵 Replacing the standard radio with Android Auto (For example, Pioneer AVH-Z5200BT)
- 🪑 Installation of sports seats (Recaro or Sparco)
- 🔥 Illuminated feet and glove compartment with LED strip
⚠️ Attention: When installing a powerful audio system, do not forget about the wiring reinforcement and battery. Regular electrics Murano Z51 It is not designed for high loads, and at peak currents the fuse or control unit may burn out.
Alternatives on the market: who to compare with
If you are considering Nissan Murano 2nd generation, it is worth comparing it with the main competitors of that time:
| Model | Pros | Cons | Price (same year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Highlander (XU40) | Reliable engine, simple design | Boring design, weak dynamics | 1 100 000 – 1 400 000 |
| Honda Pilot (2nd generation) | Spacious interior, powerful engine | Problems with automatic transmission, high consumption | 1 000 000 – 1 300 000 |
| Mazda CX-9 (1st generation) | Sporty handling, quality interior | Tight third row, poor ground clearance | 900 000 – 1 200 000 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe (CM) | Cheap service, good warranty | Low reliability after 150,000 km | 800 000 – 1 100 000 |
Murano Z51 compares favorably with competitors premium interior trim And dynamics (3.5 V6 accelerates the crossover to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds). However, in terms of reliability it is inferior Toyota Highlander, and at the service price - Hyundai Santa Fe.
If it's more important to you cross-country ability, pay attention to Nissan Pathfinder R51 (same platform, but with a frame structure). If needed more economical option — Nissan X-Trail T31 with a 2.0-liter engine.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z51
Can a 2nd generation Murano tow a trailer?
Yes, but with reservations. Maximum trailer weight for Murano Z51 with 3.5 V6 — 1,500 kg (with brakes). However, towing puts a lot of stress on the variator, so:
- Use only the original towbar (Nissan or Westfalia).
- Before driving, check the oil level in the variator.
- Avoid sudden starts and braking.
If you plan to trailer frequently, consider installing an additional radiator for the CVT.
What kind of gasoline should I put in the Murano Z51?
Manufacturer recommends AI-95, but the engine VQ35DE adapted to AI-92. However:
- On 92-octane gasoline, detonation may occur under high loads.
- Fuel consumption will increase by 5–7%.
- With constant use of 92, the service life of the catalysts is reduced.
The best option is AI-95 or AI-98 from trusted networks (for example, Lukoil, Gazpromneft).
How long does the JF011E variator last with proper maintenance?
Subject to the regulations (oil change every 60,000 km, original consumables) CVT JF011E walks 250,000–300,000 km. However, there are nuances:
- If the car often drives in traffic jams or tows a trailer, the service life is reduced to 200,000 km.
- After 150,000 km, it is recommended to diagnose the solenoids and replace the belt.
- Overheating of the variator (for example, due to a clogged radiator) reduces the life of the transmission by 2–3 times.
Signs of wear: jerking during acceleration, vibrations at speeds of 40–60 km/h, burning smell from oil.
What tires are best for the Murano Z51?
Factory wheel sizes:
235/65 R18- basic equipment.235/55 R20- for top versions.
Recommended tire models:
- 🚗 Summer: Michelin Primacy 4, Continental ContiPremiumContact 5.
- ❄️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.
Important: On R20 the suspension works harder, and if you fall into a hole, there is a higher risk of damaging the disc or strut.
Is it possible to install LPG on a Murano with a VQ35DE engine?
Technically yes, but this not recommended. Problems that arise:
- Increased wear of valves (gas burns slower than gasoline, which leads to overheating).
- Power reduction by 10–15%.
- Risk of detonation if adjusted incorrectly.
If you still decide, choose generational HBO 4+ with high-quality firmware (for example, Stag or Digitronic) and check the valve clearances regularly (every 10,000 km).