Engine number on Nissan Murano Z52: where is it located and how to check it

Owners Nissan Murano third generation (body Z52, 2015–2026) are often faced with the need to find an engine number - whether for registration with the traffic police, purchasing spare parts, or checking the car’s history. However, not everyone knows where exactly to look for this marking on 2.5 liter petrol QR25DE or 3.5 liter VQ35DDthat were installed on this model. Unlike the VIN code, the engine number can be hidden in less obvious places, and finding it requires care and sometimes even the removal of protective elements.

In this article we will look not only exact locations engine numbers on Murano Z52 depending on the type of power unit, but we will also tell you how to read it correctly, decipher it and check for originality. You will also learn why some numbers may be erased or duplicated, and what to do if the markings are missing. For clarity, we will provide photos and diagrams, and at the end we will answer frequently asked questions on this topic.

Where to look for the engine number on a Nissan Murano Z52

On Murano Z52 The engine number is printed in two main areas - on the cylinder block and on a special plate under the hood. However, its location depends on the type of motor:

• 🔧 QR25DE (2.5 l): The number is stamped on the top of the cylinder block on the gearbox side (next to the thermostat). Often covered by the cooling system pipe.
• 🔥 VQ35DD (3.5 l): The marking is located on the front of the block, closer to the oil filter. Can be hidden by a protective cover.
• 📋 Duplicate plate: on all versions Murano Z52 The engine number is duplicated on a metal plate under the hood (next to the VIN code).

It is important to consider that on some copies (especially after 2020), the number may be applied with a laser rather than mechanically - this makes it difficult to read in poor lighting. If you can't find the markings, check to see if access is blocked protective plastic casing or thermal insulation.

What does the engine number look like: format and interpretation

Engine number on Nissan Murano Z52 consists of two parts:

1. Model prefix (3-4 characters): indicates the motor series (e.g. QR25 or VQ35).
2. Unique serial number (6–8 digits): individual identifier for a specific engine.

Example of a full number: VQ35DD-1234567. First characters (VQ35DD) indicate the model and modification (in this case, a 3.5-liter engine with direct injection), and the numbers indicate the serial number at the factory.

Symbols	Meaning	Example
QR	Engine Series (QR)	QR25DE
25	Volume in deciliters (2.5 l)	QR25DE
DE	Type of injection system (D - distributed, E - electronic)	QR25DE
VQ35DD	Direct injection (Double Direct)	VQ35DD

On some engines, there may be a letter suffix after the main number (for example, VQ35DD-A) - this indicates a modification for a specific market (Asia, Europe, USA). You cannot ignore the suffix when checking, as it affects the compatibility of spare parts.

Step-by-step instructions: how to find and read the number

To find the engine number yourself Murano Z52, follow this algorithm:

Cool the engine (run on a cold engine!)

Prepare a flashlight and a mirror on the telescopic handle

Remove the negative terminal from the battery (optional)

Prepare wipes to clean up dirt-->

1. Open the hood and secure it with the stop. Make sure the engine is cool - running a hot engine is dangerous.

2. For QR25DE:

   • 🔍 Find the thermostat (plastic case with pipes near the gearbox).
   • 📍 The number is stamped on a metal platform to the right of the thermostat (if you look in the direction of travel).
   • 🧹 Clean the surface of dirt with a napkin soaked in WD-40.

3. For VQ35DD:

   • 🔍 Unscrew the 2 bolts securing the plastic casing above the oil filter.
   • 📍The room is located on front wall of the block, below the intake manifold.
   • 🔦 Use a mirror to highlight the markings at an angle.

If the number is erased or unreadable, try applying it to the surface chalk or graphite powder - it will fill the recesses and make the symbols visible. Do not use paint or marker - this may damage the original markings.

Checking the originality of the number: what to pay attention to

Fake or altered engine number is a common problem when purchasing. Nissan Murano Z52 with mileage. Here are the key signs that should alert you:

• ⚠️ Uneven symbols: the original number is stamped clearly, without displacement in depth. The broken numbers often have different depths or are “double”.
• ⚠️ Grinding marks: There should be no scratches or polished areas around the number (a sign that the old markings have been filed away).
• ⚠️ Non-compliance with documents: check the number with the data in the PTS and service book. Even one mismatched number is a reason to check.
• ⚠️ No duplicate sign: If there is a number on the block, but it is not on the metal plate under the hood (or vice versa), this is an alarming signal.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano Z52 after 2018, the plant began applying the number using a laser rather than mechanically. Such markings look less prominent, but should not show signs of manual editing. If the symbols appear to be “drawn”, it is 100% fake.

For additional verification, use Nissan database (through an official dealer) or services like CarVertical or Autocheck. They will show whether the engine is listed as stolen or whether it has been replaced.

What to do if the number is erased or missing?

If the engine number is unreadable or missing, contact traffic police for conducting forensic examination. In some cases, it is possible to restore the markings from factory archives (through the dealer), but this takes up to 30 days. Without a valid license plate, the vehicle will not pass registration or inspection.

Common mistakes when searching and reading numbers

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with the engine number. Here are the most common:

• 🔹 Confusing engine number with VIN code: The VIN is stamped on the windshield and a plate under the hood, but the engine number is only stamped on the block. They never match.
• 🔹 Ignore duplicate sign: many people only check the number on the block, but forget to check it with the data on the metal plate under the hood.
• 🔹 Reading number with errors: symbols 0 (zero) and O (letter), and also 1 And I easy to confuse. In original rooms Nissan Only numbers are used!
• 🔹 Does not take engine modification into account: for example, VQ35DE And VQ35DD — different engines, and spare parts from one will not fit another.

Another common mistake is trying to find the number without removing the protective covers. On Murano Z52 with motor VQ35DD The plastic cover over the oil filter often hides up to 30% of the markings. Don't be lazy to unscrew the 2 bolts - this will save you hours of searching.

Why do you need an engine number: 5 practical reasons

Many owners Nissan Murano Z52 They underestimate the importance of the engine number, believing that the VIN code is enough. However, there are situations where you cannot do without it:

1. Registration with the traffic police: Without an engine number, a car will not be registered (even if it is new). This is a requirement of the traffic rules (clause 19 of Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 1001).

2. Purchasing spare parts: using the number, the dealer or store will select the exact oil, filters, timing belts and other parts. For example, for QR25DE And VQ35DD different oil filters are used.

3. History check: by the number you can find out whether the engine was stolen, whether it was replaced after an accident or major repairs.

4. Insurance: some insurance companies require an engine number for CASCO registration (especially for cars older than 5 years).

5. Selling a car: Buyers often check the number through traffic police or Carfaxto make sure the car is legal.

You will also need the engine number when traveling abroad (for obtaining a “green card”) or when car recycling (to confirm the write-off in the traffic police).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive without an engine number?

No. According to clause 7.18 of the Traffic Regulations, operating a vehicle with an illegible or missing engine number is prohibited. In the best case, you will be given a fine (500–800 rubles), in the worst case, your numbers will be removed until the problem is fixed.

What to do if the engine number does not match the title?

This is a serious problem and may mean:

• The engine has been replaced (legally or not).
• The car has been stolen or has broken markings.
• Error in documents (less often).

You must contact the traffic police for verification. If the engine was replaced legally, you will need to provide documents from the service.

How to protect the engine number from corrosion?

Over time, the number may rust, especially on Murano Z52 with motor QR25DE (due to the close location to the cooling pipes). To avoid this:

1. Clean the room from dirt and treat WD-40.
2. Apply a thin layer litola or special lubricant for metal.
3. Cover the number clear heat shrink tube (without closing the symbols).

Do not use paint or varnish as this may make the number difficult to read when checking.

Is it possible to restore an erased number?

Yes, but only through official channels:

• Contact your dealer Nissan to request factory data.
• Pass a forensic examination at the traffic police (if the license plate has been cut down).

Independent “restoration” (for example, by engraving) is equated to counterfeiting and is punishable under Art. 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

Where else can I find the engine number other than the block?

In addition to the cylinder block and the plate under the hood, the engine number can be indicated:

• B service book (section “Technical data”).
• On warranty card (if the car is new).
• B electronic databases dealer (by VIN code).

However, these sources are secondary - the main one remains the physical markings on the engine.