Nissan Murano The first generation (Z50) is a crossover that combines the comfort of a premium sedan and the cross-country ability of an SUV. Released in 2006, it has become one of the most stylish and technologically advanced cars in its class. But almost 20 years have passed - how is he behaving? 2006 Murano today? Is it worth buying it on the secondary market or is it better to pay attention to newer models?

In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical problems and malfunctions, and also give practical advice on operation and repair. You will learn what to look for during inspection, how much it costs to maintain such a car and what Unique features make the 2006 Murano a good buy even after all these years..

Technical specifications Nissan Murano Z50 (2006)

Under the hood Nissan Murano 2006, a single engine was installed - V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) power 245 hp (in some markets - 234 hp). This motor is known for its reliability, but it also has weaknesses, which we will talk about later. Transmission - only continuously variable transmission (CVT) with imitation of 6 stages, which was an innovative solution for that time.

Car dimensions:

  • 📏 Length: 4,775 mm
  • 📐 Width: 1,885 mm
  • 📉 Height: 1,725 mm
  • 🔄 Wheelbase: 2,775 mm
  • 🚗 Clearance: 180 mm

Despite its considerable size, Murano remains maneuverable thanks to all-wheel drive Attesa E-TS, which automatically distributes torque between the axles. Combined cycle fuel consumption is approx. 11-13 l/100 km, which is quite acceptable for a car of this class and age.

Parameter Meaning
Engine type Petrol, V6, 3.5 l (VQ35DE)
Power 245 hp at 6,000 rpm
Gearbox CVT (CVT) with manual mode
Drive Full (Attesa E-TS)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 8.5 sec
📊 Which engine do you prefer in crossovers?
  • Petrol V6
  • Turbodiesel
  • Hybrid
  • Electro
  • Other

Weaknesses and typical problems of Murano 2006

CVT (CVT) - the most vulnerable place in Nissan Murano 2006. If the oil is not changed on time (every 60,000 km) it begins to “kick”, twitch and eventually fails. Repair costs 150,000–250,000 rub., and replacing with a new one is even more expensive. The only way to extend the life of a variator is strict adherence to maintenance regulations and the use of original oil NS-2 or NS-3.

Other common problems:

  • 🔥 Engine overheating due to a clogged radiator or faulty thermostat. This is especially true for regions with hot climates.
  • 🔊 Knock in the front suspension - most often the stabilizer struts or silent blocks of the levers are to blame.
  • 💡 Electrical problems: power windows fail, fuses blow, on-board computer glitches.
  • 🔋 Generator failure after 150,000–200,000 km.
⚠️ Attention! If when driving at speed 60–80 km/h vibration appears, this may be a sign of wear on the driveshaft. Ignoring the problem will lead to bearing destruction and expensive repairs.

Owners also often complain about oil leaks from under the valve cover and crankshaft seals. This is not a critical problem, but requires regular monitoring of the oil level. If the dashboard lights up «Check Engine», first of all check oxygen sensors (lambda probes) - they often fail after 100,000 km.

Cost of ownership and repair

Price Nissan Murano 2006 on the secondary market ranges from 400,000 to 800,000 rub. depending on condition, mileage and configuration. Cars with mileage up to 150,000 km in good condition can be found for 600,000–700,000 rub., but such specimens are very rare.

Maintenance costs (average prices in Russia, 2026):

  • 🛢️ Changing the engine oil (5 l 5W-30 + filter): RUB 3,500–5,000
  • 🔄 Changing the oil in the variator (8 l NS-2/NS-3 + filter): 8,000–12,000 rub.
  • 🔧 Replacing front brake pads and discs: 15,000–20,000 rub.
  • 🔋 New battery (70–80 Ah): 6,000–10,000 rub.
  • 🚗 Replacing stabilizer struts (pair): 4,000–6,000 rub.

The most expensive repairs:

Knot Repair cost (RUB) Cause of failure
CVT (overhaul) 150 000–250 000 Late oil change, aggressive driving
Engine (overhaul) 200 000–350 000 Overheating, oil burn, wear of the piston group
Suspension (full replacement) 80 000–120 000 Wear of silent blocks, shock absorbers, balls
Electronics (on-board computer) 30 000–70 000 Short circuit, failure of control units
⚠️ Attention! Upon purchase Murano with mileage over 200,000 km be prepared for the fact that the variator may require replacement in the coming 30,000–50,000 km. If the seller claims that “the oil in the box was changed regularly,” ask for receipts or records from the service book.
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Before purchasing, be sure to check the car's history through Autocode or CarVertical. The 2006 Murano has been involved in frequent accidents due to its low body rigidity, and examples restored from serious accidents may have hidden geometry problems.

What to look for when buying a used 2006 Murano?

Upon examination Nissan Murano 2006, please note the following points:

Check the level and condition of the oil in the variator (should be light, without a burnt smell)|

Make sure there are no leaks from under the engine and transmission|

Test the smoothness of the ride (jerky acceleration is a sign of problems with the CVT)|

Check the operation of the all-wheel drive (drive it onto an overpass and see if all the wheels are spinning)|

Inspect the body for rust (especially arches, sills, bottom) -->

Engine and transmission:

  • 🔊 Start the car when it is cold - there should be no extraneous knocks or vibrations.
  • 🔥 Check the color of the exhaust gases: blue smoke indicates oil burns, black smoke indicates problems with the fuel system.
  • 🔄 During a test drive, switch the variator to manual mode and check how it reacts to gas changes.

Suspension and steering:

  • 🚗 When passing speed bumps, there should be no dull knocks - this is a sign of worn out struts or silent blocks.
  • 🔄 Check the steering wheel play - if it exceeds 5–10°, the steering rack or tips will need to be replaced.

Body and interior:

  • 🔍 Inspect the paintwork for repainting (different shades of color, varnish streaks).
  • 🚪 Check the operation of all power windows and locks - they often fail.
  • 🪑 Make sure there are no sagging or squeaks in the seats (especially the driver's).
How to check the CVT on a 2006 Murano?

1. Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature.

2. Press the brake pedal and move the selector to the D.

3. Press the gas sharply (without releasing the brake) - if the speed rises smoothly, without jerking, the variator is in order.

4. For a test drive, accelerate to 60 km/h and sharply release the gas - if the car continues to move without jerking, the CVT is working.

If shocks or delays appear during these tests, the CVT requires diagnostics.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Owners Nissan Murano 2006 marks the following advantages:

  • ✅ Comfortable salon with good sound insulation and comfortable chairs.
  • ✅ Reliable engine VQ35DE, which, if properly maintained, runs 300,000+ km.
  • ✅ Patency — all-wheel drive copes well with off-road conditions and snow.
  • ✅ Stylish design, which does not become outdated even after 18 years.

Among the shortcomings most often mentioned:

  • ❌ Expensive CVT repair - this is the main “headache” of the owners.
  • ❌ High fuel consumption in the city (14–16 l/100 km).
  • ❌ Weak corrosion resistance of the body — arches and sills rust.
  • ❌ Low reliability of electronics — sensors and control units often fail.

Opinions are divided: some owners praise Murano for comfort and reliability, others criticize for expensive maintenance. For example, Alexey from Moscow writes: * “I bought it in 2019 with a mileage of 120,000 km. Over 5 years I invested about 200,000 rubles. for repairs, but the car is still like a nova. The main thing is to keep an eye on the oil in the variator!”*. But Igor from Yekaterinburg complains: * “The variator died at 180,000 km. The repair cost 200,000 rubles. - almost half the cost of the car. I will never buy a Nissan with CVT again.”*

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If you're willing to invest in maintenance and keep an eye on the CVT, the 2006 Murano can last a long time. If you want to “set it and forget it,” it’s better to consider alternatives with a classic automatic transmission.

Alternatives to the Nissan Murano 2006 on the secondary market

If Murano you like it, but the CVT is scary, pay attention to analogues with traditional automatic transmissions:

  • 🚗 Toyota Highlander (2005–2007) - reliable V6 3.3 l + 5-speed automatic transmission. The downside is the less comfortable suspension.
  • 🚗 Honda Pilot (2006–2008) — V6 3.5 l with automatic transmission, but a more cramped interior.
  • 🚗 Mitsubishi Outlander (2006–2007) - cheaper to maintain, but less premium.
  • 🚗 Ford Edge (2007–2010) - powerful V6 3.5 l, but it’s more difficult with spare parts.

If you are not afraid of the CVT, but want something more compact, you can consider:

  • 🚗 Nissan X-Trail (T31, 2007–2010) - same engine VQ35DE, but smaller dimensions.
  • 🚗 Mitsubishi Murano (2007–2010) - “twin” of Nissan Murano, but with a different design.

Compared to competitors, Nissan Murano stands out more comfortable suspension And spacious interior, but loses in transmission reliability. If you choose between Murano And Toyota Highlander, please note that the Japanese crossover will be cheaper to maintain, but less dynamic.

Tips for operating and extending the life of your car

To Nissan Murano 2006 served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

Engine and transmission:

  • 🛢️ Change the engine oil every 7,000–10,000 km (even if the mileage is small, but a year has passed).
  • 🔄 Oil in the variator - only original NS-2 or NS-3, replacement every 60,000 km.
  • 🔥 Monitor the engine temperature - overheating is detrimental to VQ35DE.

Suspension and chassis:

  • 🚗 Check the condition of silent blocks and shock absorbers every 30,000 km.
  • 🔧 Once every 100,000 km change wheel bearings - they often fail.

Body and interior:

  • 🔍 Regularly treat arches and sills with anticorrosive - they rust first.
  • 🚪 Lubricate the window lifter guides 2 times a yearto avoid jamming.

Electronics:

  • 🔋 Check the condition of the battery in winter - a weak battery can cause failures in the on-board computer.
  • 💡 If the power windows stop working, first check the fuses (F30 and F31 in the block under the steering wheel).
⚠️ Attention! Never tow Murano with the engine not running over long distances, this will kill the variator. If the car stalls, it is better to call a tow truck.
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If you often drive off-road, install crankcase and variator protection. The standard plastic boot does not withstand impacts with stones and can crack, which will lead to dirt getting into the box.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2006 Nissan Murano

❓ Is it possible to install gas equipment on Murano 2006?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Engine VQ35DE sensitive to detonation, and gas increases the load on the piston group. If you still decide, choose 4th generation HBO with the correct settings and reduce the oil change interval to 5,000 km.

❓ How long does a variator last with proper maintenance?

When changing the oil every 60,000 km and careful driving the variator can pass 200,000–250,000 km. However, after 150,000 km the risk of breakdown increases sharply. If you buy a car with more than 180,000 km, be prepared to replace the CVT in the coming 30,000–50,000 km.

❓ What oil should I pour into the engine?

Optimal choice - synthetic 5W-30 with permission API SM or SN. Suitable brands: Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Idemitsu. System volume - 4.8 l, but when replaced it takes about 4.5 l (complete replacement requires 5.4 l).

❓ Why does the “Check Engine” light often come on on Murano 2006?

The most common reasons:

  • 🔧 Malfunction lambda probes (oxygen sensors).
  • 🔥 Problems with ignition coils or candles.
  • 🔄 Clogging throttle valve.
  • 🛢️ Low quality fuel (especially after refueling at questionable gas stations).

For accurate diagnosis, you need to read error codes through OBD-II scanner.

❓ Is it possible to install a modern multimedia system on Murano 2006?

Yes, but you will need an adapter to retain steering wheel control. Popular options:

  • 📱 Android car radio (For example, Pumpkin or Joying) with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto.
  • 🎵 Standard system with upgrade — display replacement and firmware update Windows CE with navigation.

Installation cost - from 15,000 to 40,000 rub. depending on the configuration.