Buying a crossover Nissan Murano second generation (Z51 body) is often associated with the search for a reliable power unit. The most popular engine for this model is the legendary VQ series, in particular the VQ35DE and VQ35HR options. However, when registering a vehicle with the traffic police or when purchasing on the secondary market, owners are faced with a critical problem: finding the markings. Lack of a clear understanding of where exactly it is engine number, may lead to refusal to register or purchase a unit with a criminal record.
Unlike older cars, where the plates were visible, on modern crossovers the markings are often hidden under protective elements or located in hard-to-reach places. For Nissan Murano Z51 the situation is further complicated by the fact that depending on the year of manufacture and the market (USA, Japan, Europe), the design features of the motor installation may differ slightly. You need to know the exact location in order to carry out the inspection yourself or competently supervise the work of the service center specialists.
## Location of markings on the power unit
Basic information about the engine is stamped directly on the cylinder block, but access to it is on Nissan Murano Z51 limited by the design of the engine compartment. In most cases, the marking is located at the junction of the engine and gearbox, on the right side (when viewed in the direction of travel of the car). To see numbers, you'll have to look under the car or use a long mirror and a flashlight, as access from above often blocks the throttle body and intake manifold.
The most common location option is a special platform on the cylinder block, which is oriented towards the subframe. If you plan to do the inspection yourself, you will need a lift or inspection pit. Below, in the area of ββthe oil pan, the markings may be more visible, but they are often covered by a heat shield or exhaust system components. It is important to understand that attempting to clean the knockout area with harsh chemicals may damage the marking itself or surrounding sensors.
β οΈ Warning: Do not attempt to unscrew the exhaust system mounts to gain better access to the engine number unless you have the appropriate experience. Risk of damage to the gaskets and subsequent expensive repairs to the exhaust system Nissan Murano extremely high due to the design features of the collectors.
In some trim levels, especially early years of production, the number may be duplicated on a metal plate attached to the valve cover, but the main identification number (engine VIN) is always applied by laser or mechanical stamping to the block. For accurate identification, you need to find a sequence of numbers and letters that begins with the motor model prefix.
## Explanation of engine markings VQ35DE and VQ35HR
Understanding what the numbers and letters in the number mean is critical to verifying the authenticity of the unit. On Nissan Murano Z51 Most often there are two types of motors: VQ35DE (from 2003 to 2007) and VQ35HR (from 2007 to 2014). These engines have different characteristics and design solutions, so it is unacceptable to confuse them.
The first letters in the number always indicate the engine series. The letters "VQ" stand for the 60-degree V-twin engine series. The following numbers "35" indicate the working volume in liters (3.5 liters). The letter ending "DE" means the presence of a variable valve timing system (CVTC) on the intake and exhaust, as well as the presence of hydraulic compensators. The ending "HR" (High Response) indicates a more modern version with variable timing on both camshafts, increased piston stroke and an improved cooling system.
- π VQ35DE is a classic engine with high reliability and maintainability, but prone to increased oil consumption over long runs.
- βοΈ VQ35HR is an improved version with an aluminum cylinder block, requiring more expensive spare parts and specific oils.
- π·οΈ Number Prefixes - The first 6-8 characters often indicate the year of manufacture and manufacturer (eg 350Z or Murano spec).
When checking the documents, pay attention to the coincidence of the motor series in the vehicle title with the real unit. If the documents indicate VQ35DE, and VQ35HR is stamped on the block, this is a clear sign of a criminal history or incorrect engine replacement. The discrepancy in the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engine series is grounds for refusing to register the vehicle with the traffic police without first completing documents for replacing the unit.
- VQ35DE (before 2007)
- VQ35HR (after 2007)
- Other
- I don't know
## The procedure for checking the license plate at the traffic police and upon purchase
Check engine numbers - This is a mandatory step when buying a used crossover. The process begins with a visual inspection, which should be carried out in daylight or using a powerful handheld flashlight. If you buy a car on a lot, ask the seller to turn off the engine and open the hood so that you can independently assess the condition of the markings.
Often sellers offer to βhelpβ with cleaning the room, using metal brushes or chemical solvents. This is strictly forbidden, as you can erase the last digits or damage the surface. It is best to use a soft cloth soaked in gasoline or a special carburetor cleaner and gently wipe the marking area. If the number is not readable even after cleaning, this is a cause for serious concern.
βοΈ Preparation for number verification
If a visual inspection is not possible due to design features or contamination, you can use an endoscope that connects to a smartphone. This will allow you to see the markings through the technological holes without dismantling the suspension elements or exhaust system. This approach is especially relevant for Nissan Murano Z51, where access from below is often difficult due to protective screens.
β οΈ Attention: If the engine number shows signs of mechanical damage, traces of welding or unreadable areas, even in the absence of a criminal record, you may be denied registration of the car. In such cases, an examination is required at a forensic center.
When checking against the traffic police database, it is important to check not only the number itself, but also the serial number of the body. Sometimes scammers match the engine number to the body number, but when scanning the VIN code through a dealer scanner, discrepancies in the service history and equipment are revealed.
## Correspondence table for engines and their characteristics
For ease of comparison of technical characteristics of various modifications Nissan Murano Z51 We have prepared a summary table. It will help you quickly determine which engine is installed on the car in question and compare it with the data in the documents.
| Motor model | Years of manufacture | Power (hp) | Camshaft type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VQ35DE | 2003β2007 | 234 | DOHC | Classic version, high maintainability |
| VQ35HR | 2007β2014 | 265 | DOHC | Improved phase system, increased resource |
| VQ35DE (Japan) | 2003β2007 | 245 | DOHC | Increased power for the domestic market |
| VQ35HR (USA) | 2007β2014 | 265 | DOHC | Adapted to American environmental standards |
Please note that the table shows average power values. Depending on the year of manufacture and environmental standard (Euro-3, Euro-4), the power may vary slightly. It is also important to consider that for the Japanese market (JDM) versions with increased power were often offered, which may have different indexes in the documentation.
## Corrosion problems and number safety
One of the main problems Nissan Murano Z51 is corrosion of body and suspension elements, which can also affect the place where the engine number is stamped. In Russian winter conditions, the use of reagents accelerates the process of metal oxidation. If you are planning to purchase a car that has been used in an aggressive environment, pay special attention to the condition of the plate number.
Corrosion can completely destroy the last digits of the number, making it unreadable to traffic police officers. In this case, you will have to conduct an examination to restore the number, which is an expensive and time-consuming procedure. Sometimes mechanical stripping to bare metal followed by polishing helps, but this must be done extremely carefully so as not to damage the numbers themselves.
What to do if the number is rotten?
If the number is completely destroyed by corrosion, but there are photos from the factory or data in dealer databases, you can submit an application for examination. Experts will reconstruct the number based on indirect evidence and issue a conclusion, which is accepted by the traffic police.
- π‘οΈ Regular washing of the underbody of the car helps keep the engine number in readable condition.
- π§ Treating the embossed area with anti-corrosion compounds (without getting on the numbers themselves) extends the life of the marking.
- πΈ Save photos of the engine number at each diagnosis to have an evidence base when selling.
If you notice that the number is starting to oxidize, do not wait until it is no longer visible. Timely cleaning and a light application of a protective compound can save you from registration problems in the future.
Before the winter season, be sure to inspect the location of the engine number. If dirt and salt have accumulated there, carefully clean the area with a soft brush and apply a preservative lubricant, avoiding contact with the marking itself.
## Legal aspects and engine replacement
Owners Nissan Murano Z51 sometimes they face the need to replace the engine. This may be due to a major overhaul or installation of a more powerful unit. Since 2018, the rules for registering vehicles in the Russian Federation have changed: replacing an engine with a similar one in model and volume now does not require changes to the title if the number is the same.
However, if you install a different model engine (for example, changing from a VQ35DE to a VQ35HR, although they are similar in displacement, but have design differences), this is considered a change in the design of the car. You will need to go through the procedure for registering changes with the traffic police, providing documents for the new engine and a conclusion on the safety of the design.
Replacing an engine with a similar one in type and volume does not require making entries in the vehicle title, but the number of the new unit must be verified and recorded during the next technical inspection or registration.
When purchasing a βdonorβ for replacement, make sure that it has all the documents confirming the legality of origin. Lack of documents for the engine may result in its number being listed as stolen, and you will not be able to install it in your car.
β οΈ Attention: Installing an engine with a criminal number or a wanted number will entail the seizure of the car and the owner being held liable for the sale or storage of stolen parts.
If you do decide to replace the motor, be sure to save the old unit or dispose of it officially, having received the appropriate documents. This will save you from questions from law enforcement in the future, since the old number will remain in the database as βdisposed of.β
## Frequently asked questions from Nissan Murano Z51 owners
Where exactly is the engine number located on the Nissan Murano Z51?
The engine number is located on the cylinder block, at the junction with the gearbox, on the right side. To view it, you often need to look from below the car or use a mirror, since access from above is blocked by the intake manifold.
What to do if the engine number is not readable due to corrosion?
If the number is not readable, you must contact the forensic center for an examination. Experts can reconstruct the number based on indirect evidence and issue a conclusion that will allow you to register the car.
Is it possible to drive with an unreadable engine number?
Technically, you can drive, but when stopped by a traffic police officer or when passing a technical inspection, serious problems will arise. In case of discrepancies with the database or the impossibility of checking the number, vehicle registration may be refused.
What is the difference between VQ35DE and VQ35HR?
The VQ35HR is an improved version of the engine with variable valve timing on both shafts, increased piston stroke and an improved cooling system. It is more powerful and reliable, but more expensive to maintain and repair.
Is it necessary to register the replacement of an engine with a similar one?
According to the new rules, replacing an engine with a similar one in model and volume does not require changes to the vehicle title. However, the new engine number must be verified at the next inspection or registration.