Nissan Murano 2005: truthful owner reviews and expert assessment

Crossover Nissan Murano The first generation (Z50), released in 2005, is still a subject of debate among car enthusiasts. On the one hand, this is a stylish “Japanese” with a powerful V6 3.5 VQ35DE, comfortable interior and all-wheel drive Attesa E-TS. On the other hand, the car is haunted by rumors about “gluttony”, the high cost of spare parts and problems with variator RE0F06A, which actually turns out to be much more reliable than is commonly thought. In this article, we collected real reviews from owners, analyzed the typical “diseases” of the model and gave practical recommendations for operation.

Why Murano 2005 is it still in demand? Firstly, this is one of the few crossovers from the early 2000s with naturally aspirated engine, which with proper maintenance easily covers 300+ thousand km. Secondly, a unique design that has not lost its relevance 20 years later. Thirdly, this is the last one Murano on a “real” frame, and not on a car platform, like later generations. But first things first.

VQ35DE engine: reliability, service life and typical problems

Heart Murano 2005 - petrol V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) power 234 hp (in the European version) or 245 hp. (for USA). This motor is famous for its “indestructibility”, but only if two conditions are met: regular oil changes (every 7–8 thousand km) and monitoring the cooling system. Owners note that after a mileage of 200–250 thousand km, the engine begins to “eat up” oil - up to 300–500 ml per 1000 km, but this is considered the norm for engines with such mileage.

The most common VQ35DE problems:

• 🔧 Oil leak through valve cover — rubber seals become tanned over time. Solution: replacing gaskets (original - 13270-4M000).
• 🔥 Overheating due to a clogged radiator - especially relevant for cars driven in traffic jams. It is recommended to flush the cooling system every 2 years.
• 🛑 Knock of hydraulic compensators to a cold one - can be treated by replacing the oil with a more viscous one (for example, 5W-40 instead of 5W-30).
• ⚡ Problems with ignition coils - manifest themselves as “triples” at idle. Original coils (22448-4M015) serve ~100 thousand km.

Important: Murano 2005 sensitive to fuel quality. When refueling with 92-octane gasoline (especially at non-branded gas stations), it often occurs detonation, which destroys the pistons over time. Optimal choice - AI-95 or AI-98 from trusted networks.

⚠️ Attention! If the dashboard lights up Check Engine with an error P0300 (multiple misfires), don't ignore it. In 80% of cases, this leads to damage to the catalyst, the replacement of which will cost 50–80 thousand rubles.

CVT RE0F06A: myths and reality

The main "horror story" Murano 2005 - this is variator Jatco RE0F06A. Many people fear it like fire, but in practice it turns out to be much more reliable than CVTs of later models Nissan (For example, Qashqai J10). The secret of longevity is in proper use:

• 🔄 Oil change every 60 thousand km (original oil - NS-2 or NS-3).
• 🚗 Avoid abrupt starts — the variator does not like “kickdowns”.
• 🔥 Do not tow trailers - overheating kills the belt.
• ❄️ Warm up the box in winter (at least 2-3 minutes at idle).

Typical symptoms of a “dying” variator:

• 🔊 Hum or whistle during acceleration - a sign of bearing wear.
• ⚡ Jerks when switching - a dirty solenoid is often to blame (31397-31X00).
• 🛑 Start delay - may indicate belt wear.

The average resource of the variator during careful operation is 250–300 thousand km. After this mileage, the belt and cones usually need to be replaced (the set costs 40–60 thousand rubles). A complete overhaul of the box costs 80–120 thousand rubles.

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs factory data

Official expense Nissan Murano 2005 according to the passport - 12.5 l/100 km in the city and 8.5 l/100 km on the highway. But the owners in the reviews write completely different numbers:

Riding mode	Factory data (l/100 km)	Real consumption (according to reviews)
City (traffic)	12.5	16–18
Mixed cycle	10.2	12–14
Route (90–110 km/h)	8.5	9.5–11
Route (130+ km/h)	—	14–16

Why such a gap? Blame it all all-wheel drive Attesa E-TS, which connects automatically and “eats off” up to 10% of the fuel, as well as variator, optimized for smoothness rather than economy. Owners note that after changing the oil in the box and cleaning the throttle valve, consumption decreases by 0.5–1 l/100 km.

⚠️ Attention! If consumption suddenly increases to 20+ l/100 km, check:

• 🔧 Pressure in the fuel rail (norm - 3.5–4 bar).
• 🔥 Lambda probes (error codes P0130–P0161).
• 🛑 Air leaks through cracks in the manifold.

Suspension and steering: weak points

Suspension Murano Z50 built on the basis Nissan Altima, but with reinforced elements. However, after 150 thousand km they begin to “crumble”:

• 🔧 Stabilizer links - enough for 60-80 thousand km (original - 54500-4M000).
• 🛑 Front control arm bushings - wear out by 100 thousand km, causing knocking when driving over uneven surfaces.
• 🔄 Support bearings — “sing” at a speed of 60–80 km/h (lifetime — 100–120 thousand km).
• 🚗 Steering rack — it starts to “play” after 200 thousand km (repairs cost 20–30 thousand rubles).

Deserves special attention rear multi-link. Its plus is excellent handling, minus is the high cost of spare parts. For example, replacing the silent blocks of the rear levers will cost 15–20 thousand rubles (including labor).

There are usually no problems with the steering, but after 200 thousand km replacement may be required:

• 🔧 Power steering pump (original - 49100-4M000, ~25 thousand rubles).
• 🛑 Steering rods (wear out by 150 thousand km).

Play in the steering rack|Condition of silent blocks of levers|Leakage of shock absorbers|Noise of hub bearings|Performance of stabilizers-->

Interior and electronics: what breaks most often

Interior Murano 2005 made of high-quality materials, but there are several “sore spots”:

• 🔧 Leather on the steering wheel - peels off after 10 years of use (the solution is reupholstery or a cover).
• 🔥 Dashboard lighting — light bulbs burn out (especially in the speedometer).
• 🛑 Power windows - they stop working due to wear of the cables (repairs - 5-7 thousand rubles per door).
• ⚡ Climate control — sometimes the heater damper “glitches” (error code B1324).

The most expensive problem is body control module (BCM) malfunction. Symptoms: power windows, central locking, lights do not work. Repairs cost 15–25 thousand rubles, a new unit costs 50+ thousand rubles.

Among the advantages, the owners note:

• 👍 Spacious interior with comfortable chairs (especially in the version with leather trim).
• 👍 Good noise insulation (at the level Toyota Highlander the same year).
• 👍 Reliable audio system Bose (if you don’t pour water into it).

How to reset climate control errors?

1. Turn off the ignition.

2. Press the button AUTO and turn on the ignition.

3. Hold AUTO 10 seconds until the display flashes.

4. Click OFF to reset.

Comparison with competitors: which is better to choose?

In 2005 Murano there were several direct competitors. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter	Nissan Murano Z50	Toyota Highlander XU30	Honda Pilot 1G	Mitsubishi Outlander XL
Engine	V6 3.5 l (234–245 hp)	V6 3.3 l (230 hp)	V6 3.5 l (244 hp)	V6 3.0 l (220 hp)
Box	CVT	5-automatic	5-automatic	4-automatic
Consumption (city)	16–18 l	14–16 l	15–17 l	13–15 l
Reliability	4/5	5/5	4/5	3/5
Price (2026, Russian Federation)	600–900 thousand rubles.	800–1.2 million rub.	700–1 million rub.	500–700 thousand rubles.

Conclusion: Murano loses Highlander in reliability, but wins in design and dynamics. Honda Pilot — the most spacious, but its automatic transmission is also not eternal. Outlander XL cheaper, but weaker in technical characteristics.

Should you buy a 2005 Nissan Murano today?

Pros of purchasing:

• 👍 Unique design — has not lost its relevance even after 20 years.
• 👍 Powerful and reliable engine — VQ35DE runs 400+ thousand km with proper maintenance.
• 👍 All-wheel drive Attesa E-TS - performs well in snow and mud.
• 👍 Spacious salon - compare with BMW X5 E53 the same year.

Disadvantages of the purchase:

• 👎 Expensive spare parts — original parts are 30–50% more expensive than those Toyota.
• 👎 High fuel consumption — in the city it is rarely possible to meet 15 l/100 km.
• 👎 The difficulty of repairing a variator — there are few craftsmen who take on RE0F06A.
• 👎 Body corrosion — arches and sills rust after 10 years of operation.

Price range (2026, Russia):

• 💰 500–600 thousand rubles. — copies with a mileage of 200+ thousand km, requiring investment.
• 💰 700–900 thousand rubles. — cars in good condition (mileage up to 150 thousand km).
• 💰 1 million+ rub. — rare versions with full service and minimal mileage.

Is it worth taking? Yes, if:

• 🔧 Are you ready to spend 30–50 thousand rubles a year on maintenance.
• 🛑 You need a stylish and rare crossover, not a “dacha car.”
• 💨 You do not plan to drive it in taxi mode (mileage >50 thousand km/year).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2005 Nissan Murano

❓ What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 7–8 thousand km, cooling control), the engine easily passes 400–500 thousand km. There are no critical problems, but after 300 thousand km the timing chain may need to be replaced (lifetime - 200-250 thousand km).

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on a Murano with a CVT?

Officially Nissan allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg, but in practice the CVT RE0F06A does not like loads. When towing more than 500 kg, the risk of overheating of the box increases 3 times. If you need to transport a trailer, it’s better to choose Murano with automatic transmission (for example, models for the USA).

❓ What oil to pour into the variator?

Official oil - Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (article KLE52-00004). After 2010 Nissan released NS-3, but for Murano 2005 suitable only NS-2. Replacement required every 60 thousand km (regardless of mileage - once every 3 years).

❓ Why does Murano “eat” so much?

The main reasons for high consumption:

• 🔥 All-wheel drive Attesa E-TS, which connects automatically.
• 🛑 CVT optimized for smoothness, not efficiency.
• 🔧 Dirty injectors or throttle valve (cleaning reduces consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km).

To reduce appetite, use oil 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP) and refuel AI-98.

❓ Which years of production of the Murano Z50 are the most reliable?

The best years - 2005–2007. In 2008, production of a restyled version (Z51) began, which received a different CVT (JF011E) and a weaker engine (VQ35DE Rev-Up). Murano 2005 It is considered the most balanced in terms of reliability and price.