Crossover operation Nissan Murano the second generation (Z50 body) requires the owner to pay close attention to the power unit. Engine VQ35DE or its modernized version VQ35HR (depending on the year of manufacture and market) is a high-tech V-shaped “six”, which is extremely sensitive to the quality of lubricants. Incorrect selection of a product can lead to accelerated wear of hydraulic compensators, problems with phase regulators and, in the worst case, to major repairs.
Many car owners are wondering which oil can provide maximum engine life under our harsh operating conditions. The erroneous belief that it is enough to simply fill in the “first available” synthetic oil often leads to unpleasant surprises. In this article we will analyze the technical requirements of the manufacturer, actual conditions of use and the best brands that have proven their effectiveness in practice.
Technical requirements of the manufacturer for lubricants
Factory Nissan clearly defines the parameters of fluids acceptable for use in the engine VQ35. The key factor is viscosity, which must correspond to the climatic conditions of the region of operation. For most regions of Russia, the optimal choice is oil with a viscosity 5W-30. This marking indicates that the fluid remains fluid at low temperatures (down to -30°C) and provides a reliable protective film at engine operating temperatures.
It is important to consider that VQ series engines have gaps in friction pairs designed specifically for this viscosity. Using thicker oils, e.g. 10W-40 or 5W-40, is only possible if the car's mileage has significantly exceeded the 150,000 kilometer mark or if you live in regions with an extremely hot climate. In other cases, thick grease may impede the operation of the CVTCS variable valve timing system.
An equally important parameter is quality tolerance. For Nissan Murano Z50 standards are relevant API SL, SM or SN. Newer standard SP also suitable as it is backwards compatible and provides improved protection against timing chain wear and sludge. Ignoring these requirements can lead to rapid oxidation of the oil and the formation of sludge that clogs the oil passages.
- Basic recommended viscosity grade: 5W-30 for year-round use.
- Acceptable quality class: API SN or higher (SP).
- Mandatory presence of a certificate of compliance with ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 standards.
⚠️ Caution: The use of oils certified to ILSAC GF-4 or older API SJ standards is strongly discouraged as they do not provide sufficient protection for modern engine control systems.
Semi-synthetic or synthetic: what to choose for VQ35DE
Disputes about which is better - semi-synthetics or full synthetics, in the context of engines Nissan the VQ series make virtually no sense. The manufacturer clearly recommends using fully synthetic oils. This is due to the high operating temperature in the combustion chambers and the need for stable operation of hydraulic compensators, which do not tolerate oil stagnation during a cold start.
Semi-synthetic compounds, although cheaper, quickly lose their performance properties under high loads. Engine VQ35DE loves speed and has a high degree of compression, which requires the presence of high-quality detergent additives and antioxidant components characteristic of synthetics. Semi-synthetics can cause coking of oil scraper rings after 5-7 thousand kilometers in city conditions.
However, it is worth noting that there are also mineral oils on the market, which theoretically can be used in very old vehicles with high mileage, but for Murano Z50 it's irrational. The synthetic base provides better fluidity during cold starts, which is critical for the first moment of engine cranking, when most wear occurs.
- Synthetics provide better wear protection at high temperatures.
- Semi-synthetics are permissible only with critical engine wear and high mileage.
- Mineral oils are excluded from the recommended list for this model.
- Fully synthetic 5W-30
- Semi-synthetic 5W-40
- Original Nissan oil
- Other brand
Recommended brands and original oil
Many owners Nissan Murano prefer to use original oil Nissan Genuine Motor Oil. This is a logical choice, since the manufacturer itself develops the recipe for its engines. The original oil is often marked 5W-30 and meets all necessary standards. However, you should be careful when purchasing, as the market is filled with counterfeit products, especially in large chains of auto stores.
If you don’t trust the original or want to try an alternative, you should pay attention to proven global brands. Market leaders that are often recommended by mechanics for VQ series engines are Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell Helix And Castrol. These manufacturers use high-quality base oils and additive packages that effectively protect the engine from soot and wear.
When choosing a specific product, pay attention to the packaging and the presence of protective holograms. For Murano Z50 products marked with Full Synthetic. You should not chase the cheapest options, since saving on oil can result in expensive repairs to the cylinder head or turbine (if installed).
The table below shows popular oil options that have proven themselves on the VQ35DE engine:
| Brand | Product model | Viscosity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Genuine Motor Oil | 5W-30 | Optimal compliance with factory tolerances |
| Mobil 1 | FS Extended Performance | 5W-30 | High oxidation resistance, extended service life |
| Liqui Moly | Optimal Synth | 5W-30 | Excellent cleaning properties, German quality |
| Shell | Helix Ultra | 5W-30 | PurePlus technology (gas to oil), engine cleanliness |
| Castrol | Edge | 5W-30 | High oil film strength |
Analysis of the composition of original Nissan oil
Original Nissan oil is often produced by large international corporations (for example, Idemitsu or ExxonMobil) to order from the plant. It contains Group III base oils with the addition of an additive package designed specifically to reduce friction in VQ engines. This explains its high efficiency and compatibility with VTC (Variable Timing Control) systems.
Replacement intervals and level control
Strict adherence to oil change regulations is the key to long engine life. VQ35DE. The manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 10,000 kilometers or once a year if the mileage has not been reached. However, Russian realities (traffic jams, short trips, fuel quality) dictate their own rules. For Nissan Murano Z50 experienced owners reduce the interval to 7,000 – 8,000 kilometers.
Frequent oil changes allow you to remove combustion and wear products before they begin to aggressively affect engine parts. The VQ35DE engine is prone to carbon deposits on the intake valves (although this is more of a direct injection problem; this engine has distributed injection, but still), so oil cleanliness is critical. In addition, the oil filter must also be replaced at every fluid change.
The oil level should be checked regularly, preferably before each long trip. The level is checked on a warm engine, after the car has been standing on a flat surface for 5-10 minutes. The probe has two marks: Min and Max. The optimal level should be in the upper third between these marks.
☑️ Checklist before changing the oil
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the oil level is dropping quickly (more than 0.5 liters per 1000 km), this is a signal of problems with valve stem seals or rings. Ignoring this problem can lead to oil starvation.
Oil change procedure: step-by-step instructions
Changing the engine oil Nissan Murano Z50 — the procedure is not the most complicated, but it requires care. Before starting work, it is necessary to warm up the engine to operating temperature so that the oil becomes more fluid and drains faster. The car must be raised on a lift or placed on a viewing hole for easy access to the oil pan.
First, unscrew the drain plug on the oil pan. Be careful, the oil is hot! After the waste is completely drained, the plug is cleaned, the copper o-ring is changed (it cannot be reused) and tightened with a tightening torque 39 Nm. Next, unscrew the oil filter. To do this, it is better to use a special puller so as not to damage the filter housing.
The new filter is filled with fresh oil before installation and the rubber seal is lubricated with a thin layer of oil. After installing the filter, a new amount of oil is poured into the engine. For engine VQ35DE volume is approximately 4.8 liters (when replacing with a filter). It is recommended to fill in about 4.5 liters, then start the engine, let it run for a minute, turn it off and check the level with a dipstick, topping up to normal.
Before tightening the drain plug, make sure that there is no old gasket or dirt on it, otherwise the oil will begin to leak after a few kilometers.
It is also important to reset the service light if it comes on. To do this you need to enter the menu Settings → System → Maintenance and reset the oil change timer. This will allow you to correctly track the next service interval.
Features of operation in winter and summer
During winter, it is critical to use oil with a low pour point. For Murano Z50 in the conditions of northern Russia or Siberia, the optimal choice would be oil marked 0W-30 or 5W-30. These oils provide quick access of lubricant to friction units at sub-zero temperatures, which reduces engine wear during cold starts.
In summer, in hot weather, many owners switch to more viscous oils, for example, 5W-40. This is acceptable if the engine has a high mileage and begins to “eat” oil. However, for a new or good engine, it is better to stay at 5W-30, since thicker oil may not provide proper cooling of parts and operation of the VTC system.
You should not mix oils from different manufacturers or different viscosities, even if this occurs in an emergency (topping up). If you had to add oil from another brand, perform a complete oil and filter change as soon as possible to avoid chemical incompatibility of additives.
- In winter: use 0W-30 or 5W-30 for easy starting.
- Summer: acceptable use 5W-40 only with high mileage.
- Never mix different types of oils without completely changing them.
Main conclusion: For the VQ35DE engine in the Nissan Murano Z50, the optimal choice is a fully synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 with API SN/SP approval. Compliance with the replacement interval every 7000-8000 km will ensure maximum engine life.
Frequently asked questions from owners
Is it possible to use 5W-40 oil in a Nissan Murano Z50 with a mileage of 150,000 km?
Yes, with a mileage of over 150,000 kilometers and low oil consumption (waste), switch to viscosity 5W-40 let's say. This will help increase the oil pressure in the system and reduce its waste, but you should carefully monitor the operation of the phase regulators.
How much oil is needed for a complete change?
Engine oil capacity VQ35DE when replaced with an oil filter is 4.8 liters. It is recommended to buy a 5 liter canister, as there is always a small reserve left for refilling after checking the level.
How often should the oil filter be changed?
Oil filter Nissan or a high-quality analogue (for example, Mahle, Winns) must be changed at every oil change. Skimping on the filter can result in abrasive particles entering the engine.
What to do if the oil pressure light comes on?
Stop the engine immediately! The oil pressure lamp signals a critical drop in pressure. Continuing to drive can lead to scoring in the cylinders and destruction of the liners. Check the oil level and condition of the pump.
⚠️ Attention: Using 10W-40 oil in a VQ35DE engine without significant wear may result in variable valve timing system (VTC) failure and a "crackling" sound when starting a cold engine.