Nissan Murano Z51 The 2012 is a crossover that, even after more than a decade, continues to attract the attention of car enthusiasts. Combining a spacious interior, powerful engine and stylish design, the model has become one of the most popular in the line Nissan early 2010s. However, like any used car, Murano Z51 has its own characteristics, which are important to know about before purchasing.

In this article we will analyze the technical characteristics, typical problems, operating nuances and give practical advice on selection and maintenance. We will pay special attention VQ35DE engine, Jatco CVT and electrical equipment - components that most often become a headache for owners. If you are considering Murano Z51 as a purchasing option, here you will find all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Technical specifications Nissan Murano Z51 2012

Nissan Murano Z51 The 2012 model year was offered in several trim levels, but the technical content remained virtually unchanged. Under the hood, most versions have a time-tested petrol V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) power 260 hp - same engine as Nissan 350Z And Infiniti G35. This motor is famous for its reliability, but only with proper maintenance.

Gearbox - continuously variable variator Jatco JF011E, which, when paired with the engine, provides smooth acceleration and economical fuel consumption (by crossover standards). Four-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS connects automatically when slipping, which makes Murano confident off-road. However, the variator is one of the most vulnerable points of the model, especially if the previous owner ignored oil changes.

Parameter Meaning
Engine VQ35DE, 3.5 l, V6, 260 hp
Gearbox CVT Jatco JF011E
Drive Full (ATTESA E-TS) or front
Fuel consumption (combined cycle) 11.5–13.0 l/100 km
Trunk volume 453 l (1687 l with seats folded)

Suspension Murano Z51 independent on all wheels: front - MacPherson, behind - multi-lever. This provides good handling, but rear suspension repairs can be expensive due to the complexity of the design. Disc brake system on all wheels, with ABS, EBD And BA (emergency brake booster).

📊 Which engine do you prefer in crossovers?
  • Petrol V6
  • Turbodiesel
  • Hybrid
  • Electric motor
  • I don't care

Weaknesses and typical problems

Despite the reliability of the engine, Nissan Murano Z51 2012 has several “diseases” that appear with age. The main ones are related to CVT, electronics And suspension. Let's take a closer look at them.

1. CVT Jatco JF011E

This is the most problematic node of the model. When running over 100–120 thousand km The following malfunctions often occur:

  • 🔧 Jerks during acceleration - associated with wear of the belt or cones of the variator. Requires diagnostics and possible oil change with flushing.
  • 🔥 CVT overheating - occurs due to a clogged radiator or low oil level. May cause solenoids to fail.
  • ⚠️ Loss of traction - a symptom of pulley wear. In advanced cases, the variator “dies” completely, and repairs cost 150–200 thousand rubles.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a hum or vibration when driving at speeds of 60–80 km/h, immediately check the oil level in the variator. Driving with low oil levels accelerates wear by 2-3 times!

2. VQ35DE engine

The engine is reliable, but has its own nuances:

  • 🛢️ Maslozhor — after 150 thousand km it can reach 1 liter per 1000 km. Solved by replacing valve stem seals or rings.
  • 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators - a common problem when using low-quality oil. Treated by flushing or replacing compensators.
  • 🔥 Overheating — the culprit is usually a thermostat or a clogged radiator. If you ignore the problem, the block head may move.

3. Electronics and sensors

Murano Z51 equipped with a large number of electronics, which begin to “glitch” with age:

  • 🚨 ABS errors - often associated with speed sensors or control unit. Diagnostics shows codes C1130 or C1145.
  • 🔋 Battery low - the culprit may be a faulty generator or current leakage through the multimedia system.
  • 💡 Not working headlights — problems with the light control unit (BCM) or oxidation of contacts.
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?

If the variator begins to twitch during acceleration, check:

1. Level and condition of the oil (should be light, without a burning smell).

2. Condition of the variator cooling radiator (often clogged with dirt).

3. Presence of errors in the control unit (codes P0776, P0841 indicate problems with oil pressure).

If the problem is not resolved by changing the oil, you will need to diagnose the solenoids or replace the variator belt. In advanced cases, major repairs or replacement of the unit.

Owner reviews: pros and cons

Real reviews from owners Nissan Murano Z51 2012 models help to form an objective opinion about the model. Among the main advantages are most often mentioned:

  • ✅ Spacious salon — even tall passengers are comfortable in the back row.
  • ✅ Powerful engine — V6 3.5 l provides confident acceleration and traction on the highway.
  • ✅ High-quality sound insulation — the cabin is quiet even at speeds of 120+ km/h.
  • ✅ Reliable suspension — with careful operation, it runs 150–200 thousand km without repairs.

Among the disadvantages, the owners highlight:

  • ❌ Expensive CVT maintenance - an oil change costs 8-12 thousand rubles, repairs - from 100 thousand rubles.
  • ❌ High fuel consumption — in the city it’s easily 14–16 l/100 km.
  • ❌ Weak paint — chips and rust quickly appear on the hood and roof.
  • ❌ Electronics problems — climate control and multimedia are especially glitchy.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano Z51 with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the variator! If the oil has not been changed every 60 thousand km, there is a high risk of early repairs.
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Before purchasing, order diagnostics of the variator at a service station using a scanner Consult III Plus. It will show the real condition of the solenoids and oil pressure, which will help avoid expensive repairs.

How to choose a 2012 Nissan Murano Z51 on the secondary market

When choosing Nissan Murano Z51 2012, please note the following points:

1. Mileage and service history

Optimal mileage for purchase - up to 120 thousand km. At higher values, the risk of problems with the variator and suspension increases significantly. Check:

  • 📋 Availability of records of oil changes in the variator (should be every 60 thousand km).
  • 🔧 History of engine and suspension repairs.
  • 🚗 Number of owners (the fewer, the better).

2. Body condition

Murano Z51 prone to corrosion in the following areas:

  • 🔍 Thresholds and arches — check for rust under the plastic covers.
  • 🔍 trunk lid — often rots at the place where the windshield wiper is attached.
  • 🔍 Hood — chips quickly turn into pockets of corrosion.

3. Test drive

During the test drive, pay attention to:

  • 🚗 Smooth acceleration - jerks or delays indicate problems with the variator.
  • 🔊 Extraneous noise - a hum in the variator or a knock in the suspension is a cause for concern.
  • 💨 Climate control operation — if warm air blows when the air conditioner is on, the compressor may be faulty.

Checking the variator (oil level, absence of jerking)|Diagnostics of the engine for errors|Inspection of the body for corrosion|Test drive with checking acceleration and braking|Checking electronics (lights, climate control, multimedia)-->

Maintenance and operation: tips for owners

To Nissan Murano Z51 served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

1. Changing the oil in the variator

This is the most important procedure! Change the oil every 60 thousand km, even if the official regulations say 90 thousand km. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 or its analogues (Idemitsu CVTF, Ravenol CVT). A complete replacement with flushing will cost 8–12 thousand rubles, but will save you hundreds of thousands on repairs.

2. Engine maintenance

For VQ35DE critical:

  • 🛢️ Oil change every 7-8 thousand km (use synthetics 5W-30 or 5W-40).
  • 🔧 Replacement of spark plugs every 60 thousand km (original - NGK PLFR5A-11).
  • 🔥 Flushing the cooling system every 2 years (antifreeze - Nissan Long Life Coolant).

3. Body care

To avoid corrosion:

  • 🔧 Treat the sills and arches with anticorrosive (Tectyl, Dinitrol).
  • 🔧 Wash your car regularly in winter to prevent salt from corroding the metal.
  • 🔧 Remove chips on the hood and roof immediately after they appear.
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Regular oil changes in the variator and engine are the key to long service life Nissan Murano Z51. Neglecting these procedures will lead to costly repairs!

Modernization and tuning

Nissan Murano Z51 2012 lends itself well to modernization. Here are some popular modifications:

1. Improved appearance

  • 🎨 Two-tone painting (for example, black bottom + silver top).
  • 🔥 Installation of LED headlights (For example, Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0).
  • 🚗 Alloy wheels 19-20 inches in size (original - 235/55 R18).

2. Engine tuning

To increase power VQ35DE often installed:

  • 🔥 Cold air intake (For example, Injen SP).
  • 💨 Exhaust system without catalysts (For example, Borla or MagnaFlow).
  • 🔧 ECU firmware (for example, at UpRev or EcuTek).

After such modifications, the power increases to 280–300 hp, but fuel consumption also increases.

3. Improved suspension

For better handling, owners install:

  • 🚗 Sports shock absorbers (Bilstein B6 or KYB Excel-G).
  • 🔧 Reinforced anti-roll bars.
  • 🛠️ Lowering springs (For example, Eibach Pro-Kit, lowering by 30–40 mm).

Alternatives to Nissan Murano Z51 2012

If Murano Z51 does not suit you, consider the following analogues:

Model Pros Cons
Toyota Highlander (XU40) 2011–2013 Reliable engine, simple design Boring design, high fuel consumption
Honda Pilot (2nd generation) 2009–2012 Spacious interior, powerful V6 engine Problems with automatic transmission, poor sound insulation
Hyundai Santa Fe (DM) 2010–2012 Low price, good equipment Less power, weak dynamics
Mazda CX-9 (TB) 2010–2012 Sporty handling, quality interior Cramped third row, rust problems

Compared to competitors, Murano Z51 It stands out for its stylish design, powerful engine and comfortable interior. However, the CVT and high maintenance costs can be serious disadvantages.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2012 Nissan Murano Z51 cost on the secondary market?

Price depends on mileage and condition:

  • 💰 800–1,000 thousand rubles — options with mileage 100–150 thousand km in good condition.
  • 💰 600–800 thousand rubles — cars with mileage of 150–200 thousand km, minor problems are possible.
  • 💰 400–600 thousand rubles — variants with high mileage or after an accident.

The cost varies greatly by region. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, prices are 10–15% higher than in the regions.

What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano Z51?

Official details:

  • 🚗 City: 13.5 l/100 km
  • 🛣️ Route: 8.5 l/100 km
  • 🔄 Mixed cycle: 11.5 l/100 km

Real expenses for owners:

  • 🚗 City: 14–16 l/100 km (depending on driving style).
  • 🛣️ Route: 9–10 l/100 km at a speed of 90–110 km/h.
Can you tow a trailer with a Nissan Murano Z51?

Yes, Murano Z51 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 1500 kg (with brakes) or 750 kg (no brakes). However, keep in mind:

  • ⚠️ The variator does not like heavy loads - when towing, change the oil more often (every 40 thousand km).
  • ⚠️ Make sure your package includes reinforced cooling radiator.
  • ⚠️ When towing a heavy trailer, fuel consumption will increase to 18–20 l/100 km.
What kind of oil should I put in the Nissan Murano Z51 CVT?

For CVT Jatco JF011E The following oils are suitable:

  • 🛢️ Original: Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (art. KLE52-00004).
  • 🛢️ Analogues:
    • Idemitsu CVTF (art. 30050013-946)
    • Ravenol CVT (art. 4014835735326)
    • Mobil CVT (art. 152646)

Oil volume for a complete change: 9.5–10 l (with partial replacement - 4–5 l).

How often does the timing belt need to be changed on a Nissan Murano Z51?

Engine VQ35DE equipped timing chain, not a belt. According to the regulations, chain replacement is required every 150–200 thousand km, but in practice it takes longer. However, if the following symptoms appear, the circuit should be checked:

  • 🔊 Knocking or noise from the timing belt during a cold start.
  • 🚗 Floating speed at idle.
  • ⚠️ Lights up Check Engine with errors in valve timing (P0011, P0021).

Cost of replacing a timing chain with tensioners and stabilizers: 25–40 thousand rubles (depending on the region).