Oil volume in the Nissan Murano engine: table by generation and engine type

Owners Nissan Murano sooner or later you have to deal with changing engine oil - a procedure that directly affects the engine's service life. But before you start work, you need to know exactly how much oil to put in the engineto avoid both oil starvation and overfilling. An error here can result in serious problems: from increased wear of parts to failure of the turbine (if there is one) or catalyst.

In this article we have collected current data on oil volumes for all generations of Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52) with 2.5, 3.5 and 3.6 liter petrol engines, including hybrid versions. You will learn not only numbers, but also the nuances of selecting oil by viscosity, features of filter replacement, as well as typical mistakes that car owners make. Information based on official manuals Nissan and experience of service centers.

Oil volume in the Nissan Murano engine by generation and engine

Crossover Murano was produced from 2002 to 2023 in three generations, each of which had its own engine design features. Below is a table with exact oil volumes for all modifications, including hybrid versions (for example, Murano Hybrid with motor MR20DD).

Generation/Model	Years of manufacture	Engine (volume, l)	Oil volume, l (with filter)	Recommended viscosity
Z50 (1st generation)	2002–2007	VQ35DE (3.5)	4.5	5W-30, 5W-40
Z51 (2nd generation)	2007–2014	VQ35DE (3.5)	4.8	5W-30, 0W-20 (for cold climates)
Z51 (restyling)	2010–2014	QR25DE (2.5)	4.3	5W-30
Z52 (3rd generation)	2014–2023	VQ35DD (3.5)	5.0	0W-20, 5W-30
Z52 Hybrid	2016–2023	MR20DD (2.5) + electric motor	4.4	0W-20

⚠️ Attention: Volumes are indicated for a complete oil change along with the filter. If you change the oil without replacing the filter, subtract 0.3–0.5 liters from the indicated value. Also keep in mind that in some cases (for example, after a major engine overhaul) more oil may be required - up to 5.5 liters for VQ35DD.

For engines VQ35DE And VQ35DD (3.5 l) it is critical to use oil with approval Nissan KE900-99931 or similar (for example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30). These engines are sensitive to oil quality due to the high compression ratio and the presence of a variable valve timing system.

What oil to fill in Nissan Murano: manufacturer's recommendations

Choosing oil for Murano depends not only on engine size, but also on operating conditions. The manufacturer recommends adhering to the following criteria:

• 🔹 Viscosity: Suitable for most regions of Russia 5W-30 or 0W-20 (the latter is for new engines VQ35DD and hybrids). In the northern regions it is allowed 0W-20 all year round, in the southern regions 5W-40 in the summer.
• 🔹 Tolerances: Certificates required API SN/SP or ILSAC GF-5/GF-6. For engines VQ35DE (until 2010) enough API SL.
• 🔹 Oil type: Only synthetic or high quality semi-synthetic. Mineral oil is not suitable!
• 🔹 Brands: Nissan recommends original oil Nissan Motor Oil, but also allows analogues from Mobil 1, Idemitsu, Liqui Moly, Motul.

For hybrid versions Murano (with motor MR20DD) it is critical to use oil with low ash content (Low SAPS), since these engines are equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a deposit-sensitive catalyst. Examples of suitable oils:

• 🛢️ Nissan KE900-99942 (0W-20)
• 🛢️ Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist (0W-20)
• 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP X2 (0W-20)

⚠️ Attention: If you are exploiting Murano in difficult conditions (frequent short distance trips, towing a trailer, off-road driving), the oil change interval should be reduced from 15,000 km to 10,000 km. This is due to accelerated oil oxidation and accumulation of wear products.

How to check the oil level in a Nissan Murano: step-by-step instructions

Checking the oil level is a simple but critical procedure. This needs to be done every 1,000 km or before a long trip. Here's how to check the level correctly:

1. Stop the engine and let the oil drain into the pan (wait 5-10 minutes).
2. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick (usually it is marked with a yellow or orange handle).
3. Remove the dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth and insert it back until it stops.
4. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the marks MIN And MAX.

⚠️ Attention: If the oil level is low MIN, add it to the middle between the marks. Overfilling oil above MAX can lead to foaming and damage to the crankshaft seals.. Also pay attention to the color and consistency of the oil: if it is black, has metal particles or smells like burning, an urgent replacement is required.

On some models Murano (especially with a motor VQ35DD) the dipstick can have two pairs of marks: for “cold” and “hot” oil. In this case, focus on the “hot” marks (usually they are located higher).

When to change the oil in a Nissan Murano: regulations and signs of wear

Official regulations Nissan provides for oil changes every 15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first). However, this interval is relevant only for ideal operating conditions: quiet driving, high-quality fuel, no overloads. In reality, most car owners are faced with the need for more frequent replacement.

Signs that it's time to change the oil regardless of mileage:

• 🔴 The oil on the dipstick has turned dark brown or black.
• 🔴 The smell of burning or metal sawdust appeared.
• 🔴 The engine began to run louder, knocking or vibration appeared.
• 🔴 Acceleration dynamics have worsened and fuel consumption has increased.
• 🔴 Foam or emulsion is visible on the dipstick or oil filler cap (a sign of water or antifreeze ingress).

For engines VQ35DE And VQ35DD It is especially important to monitor the condition of the oil, as they are prone to carbon deposits on valves when using low-quality oil. If you notice that the engine has started to misfire or misfires, one of the reasons may be spark plugs clogged with oil.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil in Nissan Murano

Changing the oil in Murano - a procedure that can be performed independently with a minimum set of tools. You will need:

• 🔧 New oil (see the table above for volume).
• 🔧 Oil filter (original number: 15208-9F600 for VQ35DE, 15208-1M01A for VQ35DD).
• 🔧 Key for drain plug (usually 14 or 17 mm).
• 🔧 Oil filter puller (or belt/chain).
• 🔧 Funnel and container for used oil (volume of at least 6 l).

Replacement algorithm:

1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (5-10 minutes idling). This will help the oil drain better.
2. Raise the car on a lift or drive it into a viewing hole. An alternative is a jack with stops (but this is less safe).
3. Unscrew the drain plug (it is located on the oil pan) and drain the oil into a prepared container. Be careful - the oil will be hot!
4. While the oil is draining, replace the oil filter. Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
5. Tighten the drain plug (tightening torque: 35–40 Nm) and fill in new oil through the oil filler neck.
6. Start the engine, let it run for 1-2 minutes, then check the oil level and top up if necessary.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Murano (especially with a motor VQ35DD) The drain plug can be equipped with a magnet to collect metal shavings. Cleaning this magnet before putting the plug back will help monitor the condition of the engine.

What to do if you overfilled the oil?

If the oil level is above MAX, don't panic. Stop the engine and let the oil drain into the pan (10–15 minutes). Then use a syringe or tube to pump out the excess through the oil filler neck. Overfilling by more than 0.5 liters can lead to squeezing out the seals and causing oil leakage.

Common mistakes when changing oil and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that can reduce engine life. Here are the most common ones:

• 🚫 Using the wrong oil. For example, using mineral oil instead of synthetic oil or using an oil with the wrong viscosity (for example, 10W-40 instead of 5W-30). This leads to poor lubrication and increased wear.
• 🚫 Underfilling or overfilling of oil. Underfilling leads to oil starvation, overfilling leads to foaming and increased pressure in the system.
• 🚫 Ignoring oil filter replacement. An old filter may become clogged and the bypass valve will begin to leak unfiltered oil.
• 🚫 Incorrect tightening of the drain plug. Weak tightening will lead to leakage, too strong will damage the threads in the pan.
• 🚫 Changing the oil on a cold engine. In this case, up to 0.5 liters of old oil remains in the crankcase, which worsens the properties of the new one.

Another common mistake is mixing oils of different brands or types. If you had to add oil on the road, try to use the same brand and viscosity as when you changed it. If this is not possible, perform a complete oil change as soon as possible after arriving home.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How much oil does the Nissan Murano 3.5L (VQ35DE) engine need?

For engine VQ35DE (3.5 l) in generations Z50 And Z51 required 4.5–4.8 l oil including filter replacement. For Z52 (with motor VQ35DD) — 5.0 l.

Can I use 5W-40 oil instead of 5W-30?

For most engines Murano oil 5W-40 allowed, but only if allowed by the manufacturer for your model. For example, for VQ35DD (3rd generation) recommended 0W-20 or 5W-30. Using a higher viscosity oil (such as 5W-40) may cause poor cold starting and increased load on the oil pump.

How often should you change the oil if you don't drive much?

Even if you drive less than 15,000 km a year, the oil still needs to be changed once a year. Over time, the oil oxidizes and loses its properties, even if the car is stationary.

What kind of oil should I fill in the Nissan Murano Hybrid?

For hybrid versions with motor MR20DD (2.5 l) recommended oil viscosity 0W-20 with permission ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6. Examples: Nissan KE900-99942, Idemitsu Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20.

What happens if you don't change the oil on time?

Expired oil loses its lubricating and cleaning properties, which leads to:

• 🔥 Increased wear of piston rings and cylinders.
• 🔥 Formation of soot on valves and in the combustion chamber.
• 🔥 Clogging of oil channels and oil filter.
• 🔥 Deterioration of the variable valve timing system (VVT).

Ultimately this may lead to engine overhaul.