Crossover Nissan Murano Z50 (second generation, 2008–2014) is famous for its comfortable suspension and stylish design, but even such a reliable car requires a careful approach to choosing tires. The wrong tire size can lead to accelerated wear of the suspension, errors in work ABS/ESP, as well as deterioration of controllability at high speeds. In this article we will analyze official tire sizes for Murano Z50, acceptable alternatives, nuances of seasonal selection and common mistakes that owners make.

Feature Murano Z50 - this is large wheel arches, which visually allow you to install tires with an increased profile or width. However, not all options are safe: for example, tires with a diameter 19" may touch the wheel arch liners when fully loaded, and models that are too narrow will impair traction on wet roads. We analyzed data from instruction manuals, owner reviews and recommendations from tire centers to create an up-to-date compatibility table.

Official tire sizes for Nissan Murano Z50 by trim level

The manufacturer installed it on Murano Z50 tires of three main sizes depending on the year of manufacture and level of equipment. Basic versions (eg SV or S) were completed 235/65 R18, while the top ones (LE, SL) received 235/55 R20. Important: hub bore diameter (DIA) for all options - 66.1 mm, and the bolt pattern is 5×114.3.

Below is a table with the original sizes and their parameters:

Equipment/year Tire size Disc diameter Disc width (J) Departure (ET)
2008–2010, basic (S/SV) 235/65 R18 18" 7.0J 40 mm
2011–2014, basic (S/SV) 235/60 R18 18" 7.0J 40 mm
2008–2014, top (SL/LE) 235/55 R20 20" 7.5J 40 mm
Optional (sports package) 255/45 R20 20" 8.0J 35 mm

⚠️ Attention: Installation of tires with diameter 20" for basic versions Murano Z50 (where they normally go 18") requires clearance checks in dynamics. When fully loaded or on uneven surfaces, the rubber may touch the fender liners, which will lead to damage to the sidewall and loss of tightness.

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If you plan to upgrade from 18" to 20" wheels, be sure to check compatibility with your suspension. To do this, just drive over a speed bump at a speed of 10–15 km/h and listen to extraneous sounds.

Acceptable alternative sizes: what can be installed instead of standard ones

Many owners Murano Z50 want to improve appearance or ride quality by installing non-standard tire sizes. Main rule: overall wheel diameter (including disk and tires) must differ from the original by no more than ±3%. Otherwise, malfunctions may occur ESP, speedometer and increased load on the transmission.

Below are proven options for alternative sizes indicating deviations from the standard diameter:

  • 🔄 245/60 R18 - instead of 235/65 R18 (deviation +0.5%). Improves traction on snow, but may slightly touch the arches when the wheels are turned out.
  • 🔄 255/50 R20 - instead of 235/55 R20 (deviation +1.2%). Visually more aggressive, but requires wider rims 8.5J–9.0J.
  • 🔄 235/70 R17 — for the winter season (deviation -1.8%). Increases ground clearance by 10–15 mm, but worsens handling at high speeds.
  • 🔄 265/45 R20 — for tuned versions (deviation +2.1%). Only with modified arches!

📊 What tire size do you use on your Murano Z50?
  • Standard (235/65 R18 or 235/55 R20)
  • Alternative (listed in the article)
  • Other (I'll write in the comments)

⚠️ Attention: When switching to tires with increased width (For example, 255/50 R20 instead of 235/55 R20) necessary adjust pressure. Recommended value for wide tires - 2.3–2.4 bar (vs standard 2.1–2.2 bar), otherwise uneven tread wear will occur.

How tire size affects the ride quality of the Murano Z50

The choice of tires is always a compromise between comfort, handling and safety. For example, low profile tires (235/55 R20) provide better directional stability on the highway, but enhance the transmission of blows from unevenness on the suspension. At the same time, high profile (235/70 R17) soften the ride on gravel or potholes, but can “swim” at speeds over 120 km/h.

Let's look at the key dependencies:

  • 📉 Reducing profile (for example, with 65 to 55): improves steering response, but increases the risk of disc damage on bumps.
  • 📈 Increasing width (with 235 to 255): better grip on dry asphalt, but worse on snow and increased fuel consumption (up to +0.3–0.5 l/100 km).
  • ⚖️ Diameter change: Even if the outer wheel size remains the same (e.g. 245/60 R18 instead of 235/65 R18) changes roll-in shoulder, which affects the wear of wheel bearings.

More information about the rolling shoulder

The rolling shoulder is the distance between the point of contact of the tire with the road and the steering axis of the wheel. The larger it is, the greater the load on the suspension during maneuvers. For example, 255/50 R20 tires have a longer rolling shoulder than 235/55 R20, which can lead to accelerated wear of the control arm silent blocks.

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For most Murano Z50 owners, the optimal balance between comfort and handling remains the standard dimensions: 235/65 R18 for basic versions and 235/55 R20 for top-end versions.

Choice of tires by season: summer vs winter vs all-season

Climatic conditions dictate their own rules. For Murano Z50 with him all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS It is critical to choose the right tires for the season, otherwise the system may not work correctly. For example, summer tires at temperatures below +7°C They lose elasticity, and winter ones wear out faster on hot asphalt.

Seasonal recommendations:

  • ☀️ Summer tires: priority - stability on wet roads. Optimal models: Michelin Primacy 4, Continental ContiSportContact 5 (dimensions 235/65 R18 or 235/55 R20).
  • ❄️ Winter tires: for snow and ice it is better to choose studded (Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9) or friction (Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2). Size 235/70 R17 will increase ground clearance.
  • 🌍 All-season tires: Suitable only for mild climates (e.g. Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3). In severe frosts or heat, their characteristics are inferior to seasonal ones.

☑️ Check before seasonal tire change

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: When installing winter tires on Murano Z50 with disks 20" recommended reduce width to 225–235 mm for better cross-country ability in snow. Wide winter tires (255 mm) can “float” on loose snow, worsening traction.

Top 5 mistakes when choosing tires for the Murano Z50

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to accelerated tire wear or problems with the suspension. We have collected the most common ones:

  1. Ignoring load index. For Murano Z50 (weight ~2 tons) minimum index - 104T (900 kg per wheel). Tires with index 100 or 98 will burst when fully loaded.
  2. Speed index mismatch. If the PTS contains an index V (240 km/h), and you put H (210 km/h), this may cause denial of insurance in case of an accident.
  3. Installation of tires of varying degrees of wear. The difference in tread depth is more 2–3 mm between the axes leads to uneven operation of ABS.
  4. Neglect of balancing. On Murano Z50 with its soft suspension the imbalance in 10–15 grams already causes steering wheel vibration at speed 100+ km/h.
  5. Savings on brand. Cheap tires (Aeolus, Kama) lose their properties after 2–3 seasons, while premium models (Michelin, Continental) serve on 30–40% longer.

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Before purchasing tires, check their production date (not older than 3-4 years) and country of origin. For example, tires Nokianmade in Russia may differ in rubber composition from their Finnish counterparts.

How to check compatibility of new tires with Murano Z50

Before buying tires, be sure to perform a few checks to avoid problems:

  1. Calculation of external diameter. Use the formula: 
    (Ширина шины × Профиль / 100 × 2 + Диаметр диска в дюймах × 25.4) / 1000

    For example, for 235/65 R18:

    (235 × 0.65 × 2 + 18 × 25.4) / 1000 = 0.765 m.
  2. Checking gaps. After installation, rotate the wheel to its extreme positions (left/right) and make sure that the rubber does not touch the arches or suspension elements.
  3. Test drive. Drive in a straight line at speed 80–100 km/h and rate:
    • No vibrations on the steering wheel.
    • Adequate response to turns.
    • No extraneous noise (hum or whistle).

⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on after installing new tires ABS or SLIP, this could mean that the wheel diameter differs from the standard one by more than 3%. In this case, the control unit must be reflashed or returned to the original size.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tires for Nissan Murano Z50

Is it possible to install 265/50 R20 tires on the Murano Z50 instead of the standard 235/55 R20?

Technically yes, but only if:

  • Disc width settings 9.0J–9.5J.
  • Modifications to the wheel arches (rolling out or installing safety guards).
  • Preparedness to increase fuel consumption by 0.5–0.7 l/100 km.

Without modifications, the tires will touch the wheel arch liners when the steering wheel is turned completely.

What is the minimum tire profile that can be installed on 20-inch wheels?

Minimum acceptable profile for R20 — 45 (For example, 245/45 R20). It is not recommended to set less due to the risk of damage to the discs on uneven surfaces. Also note that low profile tires require more frequent pressure checks (every 2 weeks).

Which is better for winter: 235/65 R18 or 225/70 R17?

Preferable for snowy winters 225/70 R17 for reasons:

  • Greater ground clearance (+10–15 mm).
  • The smaller width improves cross-country ability in loose snow.
  • The sidewall is higher, which protects the disc from damage.

However, on asphalt 235/65 R18 will behave more predictably.

Do I need to change tire pressure in winter and summer?

Yes, pressure depends on temperature:

  • 🌞 Summer: 2.1–2.2 bar (for 235/65 R18).
  • ❄️ Winter: 2.3–2.4 bar (due to pressure drop in the cold).

Check the pressure on “cold” tires (at least 2 hours after the trip).

What are the best off-road tires for the Murano Z50?

Murano Z50 — this is a SUV, not an SUV, but for light off-road conditions (gravel, dirt road) the following are suitable:

  • BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (size 235/70 R17).
  • Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (size 245/60 R18).

For serious off-roading, you will need a suspension lift and crankcase protection.