Crossover Nissan Murano Z51 (2015–2023) is a stylish and spacious car that is often chosen for family trips and outdoor activities. But even with a voluminous trunk (up to 1100 l) owners often need additional space to transport bicycles, skis or luggage boxes. This is where they come to the rescue roof rails is a practical solution that transforms the roof of a car into a loading platform.

However, not all roof rails are equally useful. Wrong choice can lead to Damage to roof paint due to incompatible fasteners, noise at speed or even accidents due to unreliable securing of the load. In this article we will look at which models are suitable for Murano Z51, how to install them correctly and what mistakes car owners most often make.

Original Nissan roof rails: pros and cons

Factory roof rails from Nissan (article 999T5-VM000 or 999T5-VM001 depending on the year of manufacture) - the most reliable, but also the most expensive option. They perfectly follow the shape of the roof, do not require drilling and guarantee the tightness of the fastenings. However, they have some nuances:

  • 💰 Price: from 25,000 to 35,000 rubles per set (depending on the dealer).
  • ⚙️ Installation: requires activation in a service center (otherwise an error may occur B2555 in the on-board computer).
  • 🔧 Compatibility: only suitable for Murano Z51 2015–2023 (not compatible with Z50 or Z52).
  • 🎨 Design: silver color may not harmonize with dark bodies (for example, Deep Blue Pearl).

The main advantage of the original roof rails is guarantee of maintaining the factory warranty on the body. If you are planning to sell a car, this is a powerful argument. But if your budget is limited, it's worth considering alternatives.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing original roof rails, check availability rubber gaskets included (item no. 08841-4M00A). Without them, metal fasteners can scratch the roof due to vibrations.

Universal roof rails: which ones are suitable for Murano Z51

If original roof rails seem too expensive, you can choose universal models. The main thing is to take into account three criteria:

  1. Mounting type: for Murano Z51 Only roof rails with fastening to standard points (no drilling).
  2. Length: optimally 120–130 cm (roof Murano — 152 cm, but too long roof rails impair aerodynamics).
  3. Load capacity: at least 75 kg (for luggage rack) or 100 kg (for bicycles).

Among the trusted brands:

  • 🚗 Thule (model Thule WingBar Evo 135) - aerodynamic profile, load capacity up to 100 kg.
  • 🔩 Hako (series Hako Roof Rack) - a budget option (from 8,000 rubles), but requires modification of the fastenings.
  • 💨 Atera (model Atera Strada DL) - low noise level, suitable for speeds up to 160 km/h.
Brand/Model Load capacity (kg) Price (RUB) Features
Thule WingBar Evo 135 100 22 000 Aerodynamics, quiet running, compatible with most roof racks
Hako Roof Rack 75 8 500 Requires adjustment of mounts, noisy at speeds >120 km/h
Atera Strada DL 90 18 000 Low profile, suitable for garages with low ceilings
Mont Blanc Universal 60 6 000 Minimalistic design, for light loads only
⚠️ Attention: Universal roof rails with plastic clips (for example, cheap Chinese models) can burst in frost below –20°C. For Russian winters, choose metal fastenings.
📊 Which roof rails do you prefer for the Murano Z51?
  • Original Nissan
  • Thule/Hako/Atera
  • Budget universal
  • I haven't decided yet

How to install roof rails on a Nissan Murano Z51: step-by-step instructions

Installation of roof rails Murano Z51 takes about 1–1.5 hours and does not require special skills. The main thing is to follow the algorithm and not skip steps. Here's what you'll need:

Clean the roof of dirt and wax (use isopropyl alcohol)

Check for standard mounting points under the plugs

Prepare tools: 10mm socket wrench, T20 screwdriver, torque wrench

Close the doors and windows - there should be no draft inside the cabin -->

Installation steps:

  1. Remove the plugs: Use a plastic spatula to pry them off (they are located under the front and rear of the roof). You will see threaded holes inside M6.
  2. Install the fasteners: Screw the railing brackets to the standard points. Tightening torque - 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
  3. Secure the crossbars: put them on the brackets and secure with bolts. Check for symmetry - the distance from the edge of the roof to the railing should be the same on both sides.
  4. Adjust tension: After installation, check the play by pulling the roof rails up. The permissible gap is no more than 1–2 mm.

If you have original roof rails Nissan, after installation you may need error reset in the on-board computer. To do this:

1. Включите зажигание (не запуская двигатель).

2. Нажмите и удерживайте кнопку TRIP на приборной панели 10 секунд.


3. Выключите зажигание и повторно включите.

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Apply before your first trip silicone grease on the rubber gaskets of the fastenings - this will prevent squeaks when the temperature changes.

Top 5 mistakes when choosing and installing roof rails

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or fines. Here are the most common:

  • 🚫 Ignoring load capacity: the roof rails can withstand 75–100 kg, but car roof — maximum 80 kg (indicated in the manual Murano Z51). Excessive weight deforms the door seals.
  • 🔊 No fairing: Without it, a whistle appears at speeds >110 km/h. The solution is to buy Thule AirScreen or similar.
  • 🔧 Incorrect bolt tightening: weak fixation leads to play, and excessive fixation leads to cracks at the fastening points.
  • 🌧️ Operation in winter without inspection: ice in the fastenings can block the mechanism of removable roof rails (for example, Thule).
  • 📏 Width mismatch: if the roof rails protrude beyond the edges of the roof by more than 10 cm, this violates the traffic rules (Article 23.3 of the Administrative Code).
What happens if you exceed the carrying capacity?

When the roof is overloaded Nissan Murano Z51 possible:

- Deformation of the pillars (especially in models with a panoramic roof).

- Loss of tightness of door seals (a whistle will appear at speed).

- Refusal of the insurance company in the event of an accident (if the cargo flew out and caused harm to other road users).

In 2022, 12 cases of luggage racks being torn off due to excess load on the roof rails were recorded in Russia (data from the traffic police).

How to reduce noise from roof rails at high speed

One of the main disadvantages of roof rails is aerodynamic noise, which appears at speeds above 90 km/h. For Murano Z51 with its streamlined body this is especially noticeable. Here's how to reduce air leakage:

  • 🌀 Fairing (deflector): models Thule AirScreen or Heko WindDeflector reduce noise by 30–40%.
  • 🔄 Rubber pads: glue the front edge of the rails 3M Scotch 4412N (thickness 1.5 mm).
  • 🚗 Load positioning: the trunk or bicycles must be positioned front to front (this reduces turbulence).
  • 🔧 Adjusting the mounts: Check that the bolts are not loose (vibration increases noise).

If the noise remains even after these measures, the problem may be incorrect roof rail geometry. For example, cheap Chinese models often have an uneven surface, which creates additional vortices. In this case, only replacement will help.

💡

A fairing is not a luxury, but a necessity. Without it, at a speed of 130 km/h, the noise level in the cabin Murano Z51 increases by 8–10 dB (which is equivalent to running a vacuum cleaner).

Owner reviews: real operating experience

To understand which roof rails are best suited for Nissan Murano Z51, we analyzed reviews on Drive2, Drom.ru and foreign forums (for example, NissanMurano.org). Here's what the owners say:

👍 Andrey, Moscow (Thule WingBar Evo):

“I installed it a year ago, during which time I never pulled it up. Traveled with a trunk Thule Motion XT at 140 km/h - there is almost no noise, just a slight whistle. The main thing is not to forget to lubricate the rubber gaskets before winter.”

👎 Igor, Yekaterinburg (Hako Roof Rack):

“I bought it for 7 thousand, but after six months rust appeared on the fastenings. I had to paint it. And at a speed of 120+ it starts to hum like an airplane. Now I’m thinking about replacing it with the original.”

⚠️ Sergey, Sochi (original roof rails):

“I installed it in the official service, but after a month it caught fire Check Engine. It turned out that the error was not reset after installation. I had to go back."

From the reviews it is clear that original roof rails more reliable, but require professional installation, and universal saves money, but can be a hassle. The best option in terms of price/quality ratio - Thule or Atera.

Alternatives to roof rails: when they are not needed

Rails are not the only way to transport cargo. In some cases, they even lose out to alternative solutions:

  • 🚲 Bicycles: If you carry 1-2 bikes, it's easier to use rear mount (For example, Thule Velocompact). It does not impair aerodynamics and does not require lifting the bike onto the roof.
  • ⛷️ Skis/snowboards: for them there is special boxes (For example, Hapro SkiBox), which are attached to the towbar.
  • 📦 Oversized luggage: if the load is light (up to 50 kg), it will do soft trunk with straps (For example, SeaSucker).

Minus of alternatives - limited load capacity. For example, a rear bike rack reduces the permissible load on the towbar to 60 kg (versus 100 kg for roof rails). And soft racks are not suitable for speeds above 100 km/h.

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If you haul cargo less than 2-3 times a year, roof rails may be an unnecessary expense. In this case, renting a trunk (from 500 rubles/day) is more profitable than buying.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about roof rails on the Nissan Murano Z51

Can I install the roof rails myself, or do I have to go to a service center?

Self-installation is possible if you use universal roof rails. For original Nissan Activation in the service will be required (otherwise an error will appear on the panel). The service will also check the tightening torque with a torque wrench - this is important to maintain the warranty.

What is the maximum weight you can carry on roof rails? Murano Z51?

Manufacturer indicates 80 kg (including the weight of the roof rails and luggage rack). However, the actual load depends on the weight distribution:

  • For trunk: up to 75 kg (for example, Thule Motion XT weighs 15 kg, leaving 60 kg for cargo).
  • For bicycles: up to 4 pieces (15 kg each).
  • For skis: up to 6 pairs (usually 3–4 kg pair).

Excessive weight will result in deformation of the roof and void the warranty.

How much do roof rails cost? Murano Z51 used?

Prices on the secondary market (according to Avito And Drom.ru for 2023):

  • Original Nissan: 12,000–18,000 rub. (often without gaskets).
  • Thule WingBar Evo: 10,000–15,000 rub. (check for cracks!).
  • Hako/Atera: 4,000–7,000 rub. (risk of fastening corrosion).
Important: when buying used roof rails, check:
  • Condition of rubber gaskets (should not be cracked).
  • No play in fastenings.
  • All bolts and plugs are present.

Do I need to remove roof rails for the winter?

There is no mandatory requirement, but there are nuances:

  • 🔹 Original roof rails You can leave them - they have an anti-corrosion coating.
  • 🔹 Universal (especially budget ones) it’s better to remove them: salt and reagents corrode the metal.
  • 🔹 If the roof rails are left for the winter, treat the fastenings WD-40 or LIQUI MOLY MoS2.

Remember: snow accumulating between the roof rails and roof can cause corrosion.

Can the roof rails be painted to match the body color?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • 🔸 Original It is not recommended to paint the roof rails - this will void the warranty.
  • 🔸 Universal can be painted with powder paint (cost ~3,000 rubles).
  • 🔸 Alternative - vinyl film (For example, 3M 1080), but it is less durable.
Important: Before painting, remove the roof rails and clean them of grease (otherwise the paint will peel off).