Owners Nissan Murano Z52 (2015–2022) are often faced with a dilemma: the crossover already looks stylish, but you want to make it unique. Tuning this car is not only aesthetics, but also an opportunity to improve dynamics, comfort and even efficiency. Unlike previous generations, Z52 offers more room for modifications thanks to a modern platform Nissan D and hybrid options in some markets.

However, the approach to tuning must be balanced. For example, Installing too wide rims without adjusting the suspension can lead to premature wear of the wheel bearings - a problem that many owners face after unsuccessful experiments. In this article we will look at all aspects: from safe external tuning to complex technical modifications that will require the intervention of professionals.

External tuning: how to transform the Murano Z52 without losing style

Exterior Murano Z52 already attracts attention with its aggressive lines and signature grille V-Motion. But even here there is room for improvement. Let's start with the most noticeable elements:

  • 🔥 Front bumper: Replacement with a sports version with large air intakes (for example, from Nismo or Stillen) improves brake cooling and gives the car a more dynamic appearance. Important: some bumpers require modifications to the fasteners.
  • 💡 Optics: LED headlights (eg Morimoto 2Stroke 3.0) is not only more modern, but also 30% brighter than standard ones. For legalization in Russia you will need a certificate.
  • 🎨 Vignettes and highlights: Partial covering of the roof or mirrors in matte black (for example, film 3M 1080) visually lowers the center of gravity. Complete repainting in two-tone schemes (eg. Burgundy Pearl + Black) will cost 150–200 thousand rubles.

One of the most controversial points is installation of body kits. For example, a set from Wald International adds 50mm to the width of the wheel arches, but may cause problems with Quality Control Department when passing a technical inspection. Alternative - OEM style body kits from Nissan for version Midnight Edition, which do not require body modifications.

⚠️ Attention: When installing non-standard bumpers, check compatibility with parking sensors. In 60% of cases, sensors need to be moved or replaced with shortened versions.
📊 Which element of external tuning do you consider the most important?
  • Optics
  • Bumper and grille
  • Wheels and tires
  • Aerodynamic body kit
  • Vignettes and pasting

Wheels and suspension: a balance between style and practicality

Standard wheels Murano Z52 (usually 18×7.5J ET45 or 20×8.5J ET40) are often replaced with larger ones. But there are several pitfalls here:

  • 🛞 Disk size: Maximum permissible diameter without modification - 22 inches (For example, Vossen CV3R). Larger ones will require rolling out the arches or installing spacers, which will impair handling.
  • 🔧 Departure (ET): Optimal reach for 20-inch disks - ET35–40. Less value (for example, ET20) will increase the load on the wheel bearings.
  • 🚗 Rubber: Suitable for winter 235/55 R20 (For example, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3), for summer - 255/45 R20 (Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV).

As for the suspension, there are two popular directions:

  1. Springs or spacers: Installation of springs H&R or Eibach Pro-Kit reduces ground clearance by 30–40 mm, but can lead to problems with CV joints when fully loaded.
  2. Air suspension: Kits Air Lift Performance allow you to adjust the clearance from –50 mm to +30 mm, but cost from 300 thousand rubles and require regular compressor maintenance.
Revision type Cost (₽) Difficulty of installation Effect on driving performance
Replacing 20" discs (OEM style) 80 000–120 000 Low Minimum (with correct ET)
Springs Eibach Pro-Kit 35 000–50 000 Average Improved handling, but stiffness +20%
Air suspension Air Lift 300 000–500 000 High Adjustable comfort, but risk of leaks
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Before purchasing rims, check their compatibility with tire pressure sensors (TPMS). Some models require flashing the control unit or installing signal repeaters.

Chip tuning and power increase: what you can really get from the VQ35DD

Heart Murano Z52 - gasoline engine VQ35DD (3.5 l, 249 hp). Its potential is often underestimated: with the right approach you can get up to +40–50 hp without harm to the resource. Let's look at the main methods:

  • 🔧 ECU firmware: Firms Cobb Tuning or UpRev offer ready-made calibrations for +20–30 hp. Cost: 40–60 thousand rubles. Important: after flashing, adaptation of the throttle valve is required.
  • 💨 Inlet and outlet: Installation Cold Air Intake (For example, Injen SP1975P) and forward flow Borla Cat-Back adds +15–20 hp due to improved breathing.
  • ⚡ Turbocharging: Kits Stillen Supercharger increase power to 350–380 hp, but require strengthening of the transmission and cost from 800 thousand rubles.

One of the most effective and safest options is combination of firmware + intake/exhaust. For example, after installation Injen CAI and firmware from UpRev owners note:

  • Overclocking improvement 0–100 km/h on 0.5–0.8 sec.
  • More precise response to the gas pedal in the range 2000–4000 rpm.
  • Reduced fuel consumption on the highway by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km (due to optimization of mixture formation).
⚠️ Attention: After installing the forward flow, be sure to check for errors OBD-II (especially P0420 - low catalyst efficiency). In 30% of cases, installation of a blende or removal of the catalyst is required (illegal in Russia).

Checking ECU errors via OBD-II|Replacing spark plugs (NGK Iridium IX recommended)|Checking compression in cylinders|Backup standard firmware|Consultation with a tuning studio on warranty claims-->

Interior: comfort and technology

Salon Murano Z52 Initially made with high quality, but there are details that can be improved. Let's start with the most popular improvements:

  • 🎧 Audio system: Replacing the standard radio with Pioneer AVH-Z9200DAB with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. For better sound add an amplifier Alpine KTA-450 and subwoofer JL Audio 10W3v3.
  • 🪑 Seats: Leather braid Katzkin or sports seats Recaro Sportster CS (require modification of fastenings). The hybrid version comes with heated/ventilated seats from Nissan Rogue (full connector compatibility).
  • 🌈 Backlight: LED strips Philips Hue with app control (can be integrated with CAN bus to synchronize with music).

One of the most difficult but effective improvements is steering wheel replacement. For example, the steering wheel is from Nissan 370Z Nismo (article 26530-CD000) fits the mounts, but requires re-flashing the unit SRS for correct operation of the airbag. Alternative - steering wheel Momo Mod. 78 with adapter NRG Innovations.

How to integrate Android Auto into the standard radio?

For radios NissanConnect (2018+) adapter can be used Joying JY-UL139, which connects via USB and emulates the work CarPlay. For older versions, you will need to replace the radio with a universal one with support Android Auto (For example, Sony XAV-AX5000).

Tuning the hybrid version (e-Power)

Hybrid version Murano Z52 (available in some markets such as Japan) is equipped with e-Power with a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor. Here the approach to tuning is radically different:

  • ⚡ ECU firmware: Companies Tactrix And EcuTek offer calibrations to increase the output of the electric motor by 15–20%. However, this requires increased battery cooling.
  • 🔋 Battery: Replacement of standard Li-ion batteries to a more capacious one (for example, from Nissan Leaf) increases the electric range to 5–7 km, but requires modification of the fastenings.
  • 🛠️ Suspension: Due to the higher weight of the hybrid version, it is recommended to install springs Tein S.Tech or shock absorbers Koni Special Active for better handling.

It is important to understand that deep tuning of the hybrid version in Russia is complicated by the lack of official support and details. For example, replacing an inverter or electric motor will require delivery of spare parts from Japan, which increases the cost by 2-3 times.

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Hybrid version Murano Z52 It is not recommended to reflash without first diagnosing the battery condition. Rank below 30% from the rated capacity may result in system failure.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced tuners sometimes make mistakes that are costly. Here are the most common:

  1. Ignoring vehicle weight: Murano Z52 weighs 1.8–2.0 tons. Installing too stiff springs or light discs can lead to imbalance and accelerated wear of the suspension.
  2. Saving on brakes: After increasing the power, standard brake discs (320 mm) overheat. Solution: kit Brembo GT with 6-piston calipers.
  3. Incompatible parts: For example, a bumper from Murano Z51 doesn't fit Z52 due to changed body geometry.
  4. Independent chip tuning: Using "Chinese" firmware often leads to errors P0300 (misfire) and reduces engine life.

Another typical problem is incorrect installation of body kits. For example, a splitter from Nismo without additional fastenings it can come off at higher speeds 140 km/h. All aerodynamic elements must be attached through aluminum brackets, and not with double-sided tape.

Legal aspects of tuning in Russia

In 2026, tuning rules in Russia have become stricter. Here's what owners need to know Murano Z52:

  • 📜 Lighting devices: Any changes in optics (including headlight tinting) require certification in NIIAT. Penalty for uncertified LED headlights - 3 000 ₽.
  • 🚘 Suspension: Change in ground clearance by more than ±30 mm requires the factory to enter into PTS. Without this there is a fine 500 ₽ + requirement to return everything to its original state.
  • 🔊 Noise: The exhaust noise level should not exceed 96 dB. Direct flows without a certificate are often issued 100+ dB, which threatens with a fine 5 000 ₽.

To legalize changes you will need:

  1. Test report from an accredited laboratory.
  2. Conclusion on the safety of the design.
  3. Making changes to PTS through traffic police.
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the engine or gearbox, the vehicle must be re-registered as a “built-in” vehicle. This increases the cost of insurance by 20–30%.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tuning Nissan Murano Z52

Is it possible to install a turbine on a VQ35DD without harming the engine?

Theoretically yes, but you will need:

  • Strengthening the cylinder block (for example, ARP head bolts).
  • Replacing pistons with forged ones (for example, JE Pistons).
  • Cooling system upgrade (additional radiator Setrab).

The cost of such a project is from 1 000 000 ₽. Engine life will be reduced to 80–100 thousand km.

Which wheels are best for winter?

The best option is 18-inch wheels with tires 235/60 R18. Recommended models:

  • BBS CH-R (lightweight, corrosion resistant).
  • Enkei PF05 (good price/quality balance).
  • OZ Racing Ultraleggera (premium segment).

Avoid discs with an open design (eg spider design) - they become overgrown with ice faster.

How much does it cost to completely repaint a Murano Z52 in a different color?

The cost depends on the complexity:

  • Solid color paint (for example, Pearl White) — 120 000–180 000 ₽.
  • Two-tone scheme (for example, black roof + body Burgundy Pearl) — 200 000–250 000 ₽.
  • Matte or satin finish - 250 000–350 000 ₽ (requires special varnish).

Important: when repainting in a color other than the factory color, changes will be required. PTS.

Is it possible to install the engine from the Infiniti QX60 on the Murano Z52?

Technically yes, since Murano Z52 And Infiniti QX60 built on the same platform. However:

  • Will need replacement ECU, wiring and fastenings.
  • Hybrid engine VR30DDTT (3.0T) from QX60 incompatible with transmission Murano.
  • Swap cost - from 800 000 ₽ (excluding modifications).

A more rational option - naturally aspirated VQ37VHR (3.7 l, 330 hp) from Nissan 370Z, but it will also require adaptation.

How to improve the sound insulation of the interior?

Standard sound insulation Murano Z52 middle level. To improve it is recommended:

  • Laying Splen 4 mm on the floor and doors.
  • Arch processing Bimastom Super.
  • Replacing door seals with Dynamat.

Cost of materials - 30 000–50 000 ₽. Effect: noise reduction by 5–7 dB.