Question about the correct amount of engine oil for Nissan Murano occurs to every owner of this crossover - be it a planned replacement or topping up after repair. An error in the amount of lubricant can lead to oil starvation, overheating or even failure engine lubrication systems. This topic is especially relevant for models with a motor. VQ35DE, where overfilling or underfilling is more critical than in in-line “fours”.

In this article we will look at not only standard oil volumes for all generations Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52), but also nuances that depend on the year of manufacture, type of oil filter and even climatic conditions. You will learn why in some cases it is necessary 200–300 ml more oil than indicated in the manual, and how to properly check the level after replacement. Also, let’s debunk the myth about “universal” volumes for all crossovers Nissan.

Oil volume in the Nissan Murano engine by generation

Crossover Nissan Murano Over its history, it went through three generations, and each of them used different engines. The main engines are gasoline V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) and diesel 2.5 l (YD25DDTi) for the European market. The oil volume depends not only on the engine type, but also on the design of the oil pan, the presence of an oil cooling system, and even on the sales market (for example, standards may differ for the USA and Japan).

Below is a table with exact data for each generation. Please note: the numbers are indicated including replacing the oil filter. If the filter does not change, the volume decreases by 150–200 ml.

Generation Years of manufacture Engine Oil volume (l) Oil type (SAE)
Z50 (1st) 2002–2007 VQ35DE 3.5 V6 4.5–4.7 5W-30, 10W-30
Z51 (2nd) 2007–2014 VQ35DE 3.5 V6 4.8–5.0 5W-30, 5W-40
Z51 (European version) 2008–2014 YD25DDTi 2.5 diesel 5.2–5.4 5W-30 (Low SAPS)
Z52 (3rd) 2014–2021 VQ35DE 3.5 V6 5.0–5.2 0W-20, 5W-30
Z52 (hybrid) 2015–2021 VQ35DE + electric motor 4.8–5.0 0W-20 (ILSAC GF-5 specification)

⚠️ Attention: In models Murano Z52 with the system Direct Injection (direct injection) oil volume can be increased up to 5.3 l due to the design features of the pallet. Always check the sticker under the hood or the dealer scanner data!

Why may the oil volume differ from official data?

Even if you find the number “4.8 l” in the manual, in practice you may need more or less oil. Here are the key factors influencing the final volume:

  • 🔧 Oil filter type. Original filter Nissan 15208-9F600 holds ~200 ml of oil, and the analogue (for example, Mann W712/94) - up to 250 ml. A difference of 50 ml can be critical when pouring accurately.
  • 🌡️ Ambient temperature. When changing in a cold garage, the oil thickens and it is more difficult to drain it completely - up to 100–150 ml of “old” oil remains in the system.
  • 🔄 Replacement method. When vacuum pumping (through the dipstick), 200–300 ml more oil remains in the engine than with traditional drainage through a plug.
  • 🛠️ Engine modifications. In engines with a reinforced oil pump (for example, for tuned versions), the volume of the lubrication system is increased by 10–15%.

📊 How do you usually change the oil in a Nissan Murano?
  • Alone in the garage
  • At a service station at an official dealer
  • In the service of "Sharashkina's office"
  • I trust only a proven master

One more nuance - vehicle tilt angle during replacement. If the car is placed on a lift at an angle, the oil drains unevenly, and up to 200 ml may remain in the pan. Therefore, experienced craftsmen recommend draining the oil on a flat surface, and after filling, check the level after 5–10 minutes, when the lubricant has drained into the pan.

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If after changing the oil the indicator on the instrument panel lights up OIL LEVEL LOW, don’t rush to top up! Let the engine idle for 2-3 minutes, then turn off and check the level with a dipstick - this is often a false alarm.

How to properly check the oil level in a Murano?

It would seem that what could be easier than checking the oil with a dipstick? But in Nissan Murano There are some peculiarities due to which even experienced drivers make mistakes. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Turn off the engine and wait minimum 10 minutes — the oil should drain into the pan. In models with VQ35DE due to the design of the sump, it takes longer to drain than in in-line engines.
  2. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth (fibers can get into the oil!) and insert it back until it stops.
  3. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level. The optimal range is between the marks MIN And MAX, but closer to MAX (especially for engines with mileage >100 thousand km).
  4. Check color and consistency oils If it is dark with metal particles, urgently get it diagnosed!

⚠️ Attention: B Murano Z52 with the system Idling Stop (automatic engine shutdown) oil level is checked only with ignition off. If you do this while the engine is running, the sensor may indicate a false underfill.

☑️ Checklist before checking the oil

Done: 0 / 4

If the oil level constantly drops (more than 1 liter per 1000 km), this is a sign maslozhora, typical for VQ35DE with mileage >150 thousand km. In this case, diagnostics is required oil scraper rings And valve seals.

What oil to fill in Nissan Murano?

The choice of oil is no less important than its volume. For Murano the manufacturer recommends lubricants with the following specifications:

  • 📋 API: SM or SN for gasoline engines, CJ-4 for diesel engines.
  • 📋 ILSAC: GF-4 or GF-5 (for models after 2011 it is required GF-5).
  • 📋 Viscosity: 5W-30 - universal option, 0W-20 — for cold climates (below -30°C), 5W-40 - for hot regions.

Original oil from Nissan - this is Nissan Motor Oil 5W-30 (art. KE900-90132). But analogues from trusted brands are also suitable:

  • 🛢️ Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 - optimal for diesel engines YD25DDTi.
  • 🛢️ Castrol Edge 5W-30 - recommended for VQ35DE with mileage >100 thousand km.
  • 🛢️ Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 - for hybrid versions.

⚠️ Attention: In diesel Murano (European versions) it is strictly forbidden to use oil without approval Low SAPS (low sulfur, phosphorus and sulfated ash content). Otherwise there is a risk of clogging the particulate filter DPF — 90%!

What happens if you fill in the wrong oil?

Using an oil with the wrong viscosity (for example, 10W-40 instead of 5W-30) will increase the load on the oil pump and accelerate wear on the turbine (in diesel versions). In the worst case, the crankshaft liners may rotate after 20–30 thousand km.

Common mistakes when changing oil in Murano

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that reduce engine life. Here are the most common:

  1. Oil overflow. B VQ35DE Excess oil causes foaming and loss of pressure. Symptoms: knocking hydraulic compensators, increased fuel consumption.
  2. Using flushing. In motors Murano with a mileage of >100 thousand km, flushing can wash away deposits that clog the oil channels.
  3. Untightened filter. If the filter is not tightened to a torque of 18–22 Nm, it may unscrew while driving (especially true for Murano Z50 with a vertical filter arrangement).
  4. Ignoring the drain plug gasket. Copper washer (11026-01M02) - disposable! Repeated use causes leakage.

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The most dangerous mistake is adding oil “by eye” without checking with a dipstick. B Murano with VQ35DE difference between MIN And MAX on the dipstick - this is ~1 liter of oil, which is critical for engine life!

Another myth is that Murano you can fill in “universal” oil for all models Nissan. In fact, for example, oil for Qashqai (KE900-90042) has a different additive package and is not suitable for VQ35DE due to the increased calcium content, which accelerates the formation of deposits on the valves.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the oil

If you decide to change the oil yourself, follow these instructions. To work you will need:

  • 🔧 14 mm wrench (for drain plug).
  • 🔧 Oil filter puller (for example, Lisle 63600 for Murano Z51/Z52).
  • 🛢️ New oil (see the table above for volume).
  • 🔧 New filter (original - 15208-9F600, analogue - Framm PH7317).
  • 🔧 New drain plug gasket (11026-01M02).

Step 1. Drain the old oil.

  1. Warm up the engine to operating temperature (60–70°C) so that the oil becomes less viscous.
  2. Lift the car on a lift or drive it onto an overpass. B Murano The drain plug is not located at the lowest point of the pan, so the angle of inclination is critical!
  3. Unscrew the plug with a 14 mm wrench and drain the oil into a container (minimum 5 l).

Step 2. Replace the filter.

  1. Filter in Murano Z50/Z51 located in front of the engine, in Z52 — from the side (access is more difficult).
  2. Before installing a new filter, lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil.
  3. Tighten the filter by hand (torque - 18 Nm), do not use the key!

Step 3. Filling with new oil.

  1. Fill in oil in 0.5 liter portions, checking the level with a dipstick.
  2. After filling, run the engine for 1-2 minutes, then check the level again - it will drop as the oil fills the filter and channels.
  3. Top up to mark MAX and check for leaks.

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B Murano Z52 After changing the oil, reset the maintenance counter. To do this: turn on the ignition → press the gas pedal all the way 3 times within 5 seconds → the indicator will light up SERVICE DUE, then goes out.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about oil in Nissan Murano

Is it possible to mix oil from different manufacturers?

In emergency cases (for example, on the road), mixing oils is allowed same viscosity and specification (For example, 5W-30 API SN). But after this, it is necessary to perform a complete oil change with flushing as soon as possible. B VQ35DE Mixing oils with different additive packages can lead to the formation of sludge in the oil passages.

How much oil does a Murano burn?

For VQ35DE normal oil consumption for waste - up to 1 l per 10,000 km. If the engine consumes more, a check is required:

  • States oil scraper rings (wear or coking).
  • Sapuna (a clogged breather increases pressure in the crankcase, which leads to oil being squeezed out through the seals).
  • Turbines (in diesel versions).
What kind of oil should I fill in a Murano with a mileage of 200+ thousand km?

For engines with high mileage, oil with increased viscosity at high temperatures is recommended, for example:

  • Castrol GTX High Mileage 5W-30 — contains additives to restore the elasticity of oil seals.
  • Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 — reduces oil consumption due to waste.
  • Liqui Moly MoS2 5W-40 — adds a protective film to worn surfaces.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use oils with a viscosity 10W-40 and higher - they will not provide sufficient lubrication during cold start, which is critical for VQ35DE with worn hydraulic compensators.

Do I need to flush the engine when changing the oil?

Flushing is required only in three cases:

  1. When switching from one type of oil to another (for example, from mineral to synthetic).
  2. If coolant or fuel gets into the old oil (detected by color and smell).
  3. After purchasing a used car, if the service history is unknown.

For rinsing use special compounds (For example, Liqui Moly Pro-Line Motorspulung), and not “five-minute” flushes, which have an aggressive effect on the seals.

What to do if the Check Engine light comes on after changing the oil?

In 90% of cases this is due to:

  • 🔌 Unconnected oil pressure sensor (in Murano Z51/Z52 it is located next to the filter).
  • 🛢️ Insufficient oil level (even if the dipstick is normal, check the electronic sensor).
  • 🔧 Poorly tightened drain plug (may cause a drop in pressure).

If the lamp does not go out, read the error code via ELM327 or contact for diagnostics - at VQ35DE a common problem after an oil change is an error P0520 (pressure sensor circuit malfunction).