Nissan Murano Z50 (50 body): everything you need to know before buying

Nissan Murano Z50 - the second generation of the iconic crossover, which was produced from 2007 to 2014. This car has become a real bestseller on the secondary market due to its combination of comfort, reliability and stylish design. However, like any model of considerable age, 50th body There are some features that are important to consider when purchasing.

In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical problems and malfunctions, and also give practical recommendations on operation and selection Murano Z50 on the secondary market. We will pay special attention to engines, transmissions and electrical equipment - those components that most often become a headache for owners.

Technical specifications Nissan Murano Z50

Nissan Murano second generation (index Z50) was offered with two types of engines: gasoline VQ35DE volume 3.5 l and diesel YD25DDTi volume 2.5 l. The latter was not officially supplied to Russia, so we will focus on petrol version, which is the most common in our market.

The basic equipment was equipped stepless variator Jatco JF011E, which became one of the main features of the model. Also in some modifications there is a classic 6-speed automatic, but there are much fewer such instances. Drive - full All-Mode 4x4-i with the possibility of blocking the center differential.

• 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE 3.5 l, 265 hp (in the Russian version 234 hp)
• ⚙️ Transmission: variator JF011E or 6-automatic (rare)
• 🚗 Drive: full All-Mode 4x4-i with locking
• 🛣️ Suspension: independent McPherson front, multi-link rear
• 💨 Fuel consumption (city/highway): 14-16 l / 8-10 l (real figures)

It is worth noting that Murano Z50 built on a platform Nissan D, which was also used Nissan Teana And Infiniti EX/G35. This provided the car with good handling and comfort, but also left its mark on common "diseases" these models.

Weaknesses and typical problems of the 50th body

Despite the reliability of the platform, Nissan Murano Z50 has a number "childhood diseases", which appear with age. The main complaints of the owners are related to CVT, electronics And suspension. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. CVT JF011E: myths and reality

CVT Jatco JF011E - one of the most discussed nodes in Murano Z50. Many people fear it like fire, but in fact, with proper use, it can last 200,000+ km. The main conditions for longevity:

• 🔄 Regular oil changes (every 60,000 km, not 100,000, as they say in the manual!)
• 🚫 Avoiding abrupt starts and towing heavy trailers
• 🔥 Overheat control (variator is afraid of high temperatures)

Typical symptoms of a malfunction:

⚠️ Attention: If during acceleration you hear crunching or vibration, and also notice switching delays - this is a reason to immediately check the condition of the belt and oil in the variator. Delaying repairs may result in complete failure of a box with a price tag of 300,000 rubles.

2. VQ35DE engine: reliable, but not flawless

Gasoline VQ35DE is famous for its endurance, but it also has weaknesses:

• 🔥 Problems with ignition coils (begin to “crumble” after 100,000 km)
• 🛢️ Oil leaks through the valve cover and rear crankshaft oil seal
• 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators to a cold one (often solved by replacing the oil with a more viscous one)

Particular attention should be paid timing chains. Unlike a belt drive, a chain lasts longer, but stretching it can lead to valve timing failure and expensive repairs.

What happens if you don't take care of the timing chain?

When the chain is stretched critically, it is possible to jump 1-2 teeth, which leads to a collision between the pistons and the valves. In the best case, the valves are bent (repairs from RUB 150,000), in the worst case, the piston group is destroyed and the engine is overhauled (RUB 300,000+).

3. Suspension and steering

Suspension Murano Z50 it is quite reliable, but has a number of “consumables” that wear out after 150,000 km:

• 🔩 Wheel bearings (they are already buzzing at 100,000 km)
• 🔧 Stabilizer bushings and struts (wear out every 50,000–70,000 km)
• 🚗 Ball joints (they begin to play after 120,000 km)

Also, many owners complain about leaks in the steering rack, which appear after 150,000 km. Repairs cost 20,000–40,000 rubles, so when buying a used copy, be sure to check the condition of the boots and the absence of oil stains under the rack.

Options and equipment: what the official dealer offered

In Russia Nissan Murano Z50 officially sold in three trim levels: Comfort, Elegance And Prestige. The difference between them was the level of equipment and the availability of additional options.

Equipment	Engine	Box	Key options	Price (2008–2014, rub.)
Comfort	VQ35DE 3.5 l (234 hp)	CVT	Climate control, leather interior, sunroof, 18" wheels	1 300 000 – 1 500 000
Elegance	VQ35DE 3.5 l (234 hp)	CVT	+ Rear view camera, navigation, xenon, heated steering wheel	1 600 000 – 1 800 000
Prestige	VQ35DE 3.5 l (234 hp)	CVT	+ Seat ventilation, Bose audio system, adaptive cruise	1 900 000 – 2 200 000

It is worth noting that even in the basic configuration Murano equipped all-wheel drive, leather interior And climate control, which made it very attractive compared to competitors like Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.

However, some options such as rear view camera or navigation, over time they begin to cause problems. For example, standard navigation is often “buggy” due to outdated software, and the camera can fail due to oxidation of contacts.

How to choose a used Nissan Murano Z50: buyer's checklist

When buying used Murano 50 body It's important to pay attention to a few key points. Below - step by step checklist, which will help avoid problematic instances.

Mileage (normal for VQ35DE - up to 200,000 km without capital)|Condition of the oil in the variator (should be light, without a burnt smell)|All-wheel drive operation (check the differential lock)|Condition of the suspension (knocking, play, shock absorber leaks)|Electronics (all sensors, camera, navigation, climate control)-->

Pay special attention service history. If the car has been serviced by an authorized dealer or a trusted service center, this significantly increases the chances of long service life. Be sure to check:

• 📅 Oil change regularly (every 10,000–15,000 km)
• 🔧 Replacing belts and rollers (every 100,000 km)
• 🛡️ Brake system condition (discs, pads, calipers)

It would also be a good idea to check the car through services like Autocode or CarVerticalto make sure there are no accidents, restrictions or mileage adjustments. This is especially true for vehicles with a mileage of more than 150,000 km - it is at this point that serious problems with the variator and engine begin to appear.

⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to provide a service book or service history, this is a reason to be wary. This is often done when the car was used as a taxi or had difficult conditions of use (for example, constant traffic jams or off-road conditions).

Operation and maintenance: advice from owners

To Nissan Murano Z50 served faithfully, just follow a few simple rules:

1. CVT maintenance

As already mentioned, oil in the variator need to be changed every 60,000 km, and not 100,000, as the manufacturer recommends. It is important to use only original oil NS-2 or its analogues (for example, Idemitsu CVTF).

Also recommended:

• 🔄 Check oil level every 10,000 km (via dipstick)
• 🚗 Avoid prolonged slipping (for example, in snow or mud)
• 🔥 Install an additional cooling radiator CVT (relevant for regions with hot climates)

2. Caring for the VQ35DE engine

Engine VQ35DE loves quality oil with viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 or Liqui Moly). Replacement - every 10,000 km. Also don't forget about:

• 🔥 Spark plugs (change every 60,000–80,000 km, original - NGK IFR6T11)
• 🛢️ Air and cabin filters (every 15,000–20,000 km)
• 🔊 Injector flushing (once every 100,000 km)

3. Suspension and chassis

To increase the service life of the suspension it is recommended:

• 🚗 Check wheel alignment every 20,000 km
• 🔧 Lubricate the caliper guides (prevents squeaks and uneven pad wear)
• 🔩 Change stabilizer links in pairs (even if one is still “alive”)

Modifications and tuning: what can be improved in the Murano Z50

Nissan Murano Z50 - an excellent base for tuning, but it’s important not to overdo it here. Let's look at the most popular and practical improvements.

1. External tuning

Stylish design Murano and it looks modern, but many owners install:

• 🚗 Body kits and spoilers (for example, from Stillen or Nismo)
• 🔥 Bi-xenon or LED optics (replacing standard halogen lights)
• 🎨 Vinyl stickers (for example, a black roof or “carbon” on the hood)

However, it is worth remembering that change in appearance may affect the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance, so it is better to clarify this point before installation.

2. Technical tuning

The most requested improvements:

• 🛡️ Installing crankcase protection (relevant for off-road)
• 🔊 Exhaust system replacement to silent or sporty (for example, Magnum)
• ⚡ Chip tuning (increasing power to 260–280 hp, but requires high-quality fuel)

Be careful with chip tuning — illiterate firmware can reduce the life of the engine and variator. It is better to contact trusted specialists who work with Nissan not the first year.

3. Comfort and multimedia

Among the popular improvements:

• 📱 Installing Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (via replacement of the standard radio)
• 🔊 Audio system upgrade (replacing speakers with Focal or Alpine)
• 🚗 Heated steering wheel and seats (if they are not included)

Many owners also install keyless entry And autostart, which is especially important for cold regions.

Owner reviews: pros and cons of the Nissan Murano Z50

To form an objective opinion about Nissan Murano Z50, we analyzed reviews from owners from the forums (Drive2, Nissan-Club) and groups on social networks. Here's what they say:

Pros

• ✅ Comfortable suspension — perfectly “swallows” holes and unevenness
• ✅ Spacious salon with comfortable seats (even for tall people)
• ✅ Reliable VQ35DE engine (with proper maintenance)
• ✅ Good handling for a crossover (thanks to the rear multi-link)
• ✅ High ground clearance (205 mm) - enough for light off-road use

Cons

• ❌ Expensive CVT maintenance (oil change - from 10,000 rubles, repairs - from 150,000 rubles)
• ❌ High fuel consumption (14–16 l in the city)
• ❌ Weak noise insulation (especially at high speeds)
• ❌ Electronics problems (sensors, camera, navigation)
• ❌ Expensive spare parts (especially the original ones)

Overall, Murano Z50 assessed by owners as reliable and comfortable car, but with the caveat of high maintenance costs. Those who are willing to invest in maintenance are satisfied, but economical drivers are often disappointed in the model.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z50

❓ How long does the variator last in the Murano Z50 if used correctly?

With regular oil changes (every 60,000 km) and careful driving, the CVT JF011E able to pass 200,000–250,000 km. However, after 150,000 km the risk of breakdowns increases significantly, so it is recommended to carry out inspections every 100,000 km diagnostics of the condition of the belt and cones.

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

Technically yes, but with reservations. Maximum trailer weight - 1,500 kg (with brakes). However Constant towing of heavy loads reduces the life of the variator. If you often need to haul a trailer, it is better to consider the version with 6-automatic (although it is less common).

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of the Murano Z50?

In the city the consumption is 14–16 liters 100 km, on the highway - 8–10 liters. In a mixed cycle, owners note 11–13 liters. Consumption depends on driving style, fuel quality and engine condition. Usage 95 gasoline instead of 92, it may slightly reduce the engine’s appetite.

❓ What oil to pour into the VQ35DE engine?

The manufacturer recommends oil with approval API SM/SN and viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40Among the popular options:

• Mobil 1 5W-30
• Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30
• Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30 (original)

Important: avoid cheap oils - engine VQ35DE sensitive to the quality of the lubricant.

❓ Is it worth buying a Murano Z50 with a mileage of more than 200,000 km?

Purchase Murano with mileage more than 200,000 km - it's always a lottery. If the car was serviced by an official dealer and there is a complete history, you can consider this option. However, be prepared for the following costs:

• 🔧 Timing chain replacement (from 50,000 rub.)
• 🛢️ Overhaul of the variator (from RUB 200,000)
• 🔥 Replacement of gaskets and seals (from RUB 30,000)

If your budget is limited, it is better to look for a used one. up to 150,000 km.