Owners Nissan Murano third generation (Z51/Z52) with naturally aspirated gasoline engine VQ35DE 3.5 l Often faced with the question: how much oil is required for a complete change? Official data varies depending on the year of manufacture, type of gearbox and even climatic operating conditions. This article contains exact numbers from service manuals Nissan, nuances of checking the level and the consequences of errors when filling.
Motor VQ35DE known for its reliability, but is sensitive to the quality and quantity of lubricants. Overfilling or underfilling oil by 200–300 ml can lead to increased fuel consumption, accelerated wear VTC (variable valve timing systems) or even scoring on the cylinder walls. We'll look at how to avoid these problems by using data for models. 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2026 years.
Official data: oil volume for Nissan Murano 3.5
According to factory specifications Nissan, engine oil volume VQ35DE depends on the type of replacement:
- 🔧 Partial replacement (without removing the pan): 4.8–5.0 l. Suitable for most service intervals.
- 🔄 Complete replacement (with pan removal and washing): 5.4–5.7 l. Required when changing the oil brand or after a major overhaul.
- ⚠️ Including oil filter: +0.3 l to any of the indicated volumes.
Important: these figures are valid for models with automatic transmission (variator Jatco JF011E). For versions with all-wheel drive (AWD) the volume may increase by 0.1–0.2 l due to the characteristics of the transfer case lubrication system.
| Year of manufacture | Replacement type | Oil volume, l | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2017 | Partial | 4.8 | Filter 15208-9F60A |
| 2018–2020 | Partial | 5.0 | Updated pan, filter 15208-9F60B |
| 2021–2026 | Partial | 4.9 | Optimized lubrication system |
| All years | Full (with removal of the pallet) | 5.5 | Includes flushing and gasket replacement |
A critical mistake of many car owners: focusing only on the dipstick marks. On Murano Z51/Z52 The dipstick has two pairs of marks - "MIN/MAX" for a cold and hot engine. A cold test may show a false underfill of 0.3–0.5 liters!
- Every 7,500 km
- Every 10,000 km
- Every 15,000 km
- By status (every 2 years)
- I don't follow
What oil does Nissan recommend for VQ35DE?
The manufacturer indicates two key parameters for oil in VQ35DE:
- 🛢️ Viscosity:
5W-30(priority) or0W-20(for regions with frosts below -30°C). - 🔬 Specifications:
API SNorILSAC GF-5. For 2020+ models -API SP.
Original oil Nissan for Murano — KE900-90042 5W-30 (synthetic, 5 l). Alternatives from trusted brands:
- 🔹 Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — optimal for urban use.
- 🔹 Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20 - for cold climates.
- 🔹 Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30 — reduces oil consumption due to waste.
⚠️ Attention: Oils with viscosity10W-40or5W-40not recommended forVQ35DEdue to the risk of deposits forming onVTC-valves. This may result in an errorP0011(“Retarded Timing Over-Advanced”) and unstable engine operation.
For cars with mileage over 150,000 km, it is advisable to use oils with a high content of detergent additives, for example, Castrol Edge 5W-30 or Motul 8100 X-Clean+. They compensate for the natural wear of piston rings and reduce oil consumption due to waste.
How to check the oil level correctly
Checking the level for Nissan Murano 3.5 has nuances, ignoring which leads to inaccurate readings. Algorithm of actions:
☑️ Correct check of oil level
Typical mistakes:
- ❌ Check on a cold engine - the oil does not completely flow into the pan, the readings are underestimated.
- ❌ Using a non-original probe - the marks may not match the factory ones.
- ❌ Carrying out an inspection immediately after stopping the engine - the oil does not have time to drain into the crankcase.
If the oil level is between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks hot engine, topping up is not required. If the oil is below "MIN" - add 100–200 ml and check again after 10 minutes. Exceeding the level above "MAX" by more than 0.3 l is fraught with foaminess of the oil and damage to the crankshaft seals.
What to do if the oil is above MAX?
Exceeding the oil level by 0.5 liters or more leads to foaming due to rotation of the crankshaft. This disrupts the lubrication of the bearings and can cause engine knocking. Immediately drain the excess through the drain plug or pump it out with a syringe through the dipstick.
Consequences of underfilling and overfilling oil
Both scenarios are equally dangerous for VQ35DE, but manifest themselves in different ways:
| Problem | Symptoms | Long-term consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Underfilling (level below MIN) | Knocking of hydraulic compensators, increased engine temperature, oil pressure lamp | Camshaft wear, scuffing on cylinder walls, turbine failure (if installed) |
| Overflow (level above MAX by 0.5+ l) | Foamy oil on the dipstick, leaks through the seals, increased fuel consumption | Damage to the catalyst, wear of the oil pump, stuck piston rings |
Overfilling is especially critical for cars with mileage >100,000 km. In such engines, the increased oil volume creates excess pressure, which leads to squeezing out the crankshaft and camshaft seals. The cost of repairs is from 30,000 rubles (replacement of oil seals) to 150,000 rubles (major repairs in case of scuffing).
⚠️ Attention: If after changing the oil the light on the instrument panel comes onCheck Enginewith codeP0014(“Exhaust Camshaft Timing Over-Advanced”), overflow is most likely to blame. Urgently drain the excess and reset the error with a scanner (for example, Launch X431).
Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil
To change the oil in Nissan Murano 3.5 you will need:
- 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug).
- 🛠️ Oil filter puller (for example,
Lisle 63600). - 🧻 Funnel and rags.
- 🔋 New oil filter (part number depends on the year, see table above).
Replacement algorithm:
- Warm up the engine to operating temperature (80–90°C) - this will ensure complete drainage of waste.
- Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. Don't use a jack - it's dangerous!
- Remove the crankcase protection (if installed), unscrew the drain plug and drain the oil into a container with a volume of at least 6 liters.
- Replace the oil filter. Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
- Screw on the drain plug with a new O-ring (part no.
11026-01M02). - Fill in oil in 0.5 liter portions, checking the level with a dipstick. After reaching the "MAX" mark on a hot engine, add another 100 ml.
- Start the engine, let it idle for 3-5 minutes, then check the level and absence of leaks.
After changing the oil, reset the maintenance counter in the on-board computer. To do this: 1) Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine). 2) Press the gas pedal all the way and hold for 10 seconds. 3) Release the pedal and turn off the ignition. The "OIL" indicator will go out.
Frequently asked questions and myths about oil in VQ35DE
Let's look at common misconceptions and technical nuances:
Myth 1: “You can use semi-synthetic instead of synthetic to save money.”
❌ Reality: Engine VQ35DE designed for synthetic oils with high fluidity. Semi-synthetics oxidize faster at high temperatures (over 120°C), which leads to the formation of varnish deposits on the valves VTC.
Myth 2: “If the oil turns black after 2,000 km, it needs to be changed urgently.”
✅ Reality: Darkening of the oil is normal and indicates that the detergent additives are working. The criterion for replacement is not color, but viscosity And base number, which can only be verified by laboratory analysis.
Myth 3: "The CVT requires the same oil as the engine."
❌ Reality: Variator oil Jatco JF011E (article KE908-99932) has a completely different composition. Mixing oils will lead to failure of the solenoids and the variator belt. The cost of repairs is from 180,000 rubles.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I use 5W-40 oil instead of 5W-30?
No. Oil 5W-40 has a higher viscosity at operating temperatures, which impairs lubrication VTC-mechanisms and increases the load on the oil pump. This will lead to mistakes in the long run. P0011 or P0021.
How much oil does the VQ35DE waste?
For engines with mileage up to 100,000 km, normal consumption is up to 200 ml per 1,000 km. With a mileage of 150,000+ km, up to 300 ml/1,000 km. If the consumption exceeds 500 ml/1,000 km, diagnostics of the piston rings and oil seals is required.
Do I need to flush the engine when changing the oil?
Flushing is required only in three cases: 1) Changing the type of oil (for example, from semi-synthetic to synthetic); 2) Suspicion of mixing different oils; 3) Buying a used car with an unknown service history. For washing, use special compounds, for example, Liqui Moly Oil-Schlamm-Spulung.
What oil to put in Murano 3.5 with LPG?
For vehicles with gas-cylinder equipment, oil with a high alkaline number (TBN > 10) is recommended, for example, Motul Specific Dexos2 5W-30 or Total Quartz 9000 Future GF-5 5W-30. The gas burns at a higher temperature, which accelerates the oxidation of the oil.
What should I do if the pressure light comes on after changing the oil?
The reasons may be as follows:
- Insufficient oil level (add and check with dipstick).
- The oil pump is faulty (pressure measurement with a pressure gauge is required).
- The oil filter is clogged (replace with a new, original one).
- The oil pressure sensor is faulty (part number
25580-4M000).
If the light blinks at idle, but goes out when the speed increases, the problem is most likely a worn pump.
Use only original consumables (filter, plug, sealing rings) - saving on them will result in expensive repairs. For example, a non-original drain plug may turn in the pan, which will require its replacement (cost - from 15,000 rubles).