Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • berg32berg32 Member Posts: 56
    Has anyone installed "tube" bumpers on a Murano? I'm told Nissan won't supply them until summer, and a leading after-market company says the same. I'm hoping to get some before my front bumper gets scratched . . . Anyone?
  • gust334gust334 Member Posts: 75
    Not me. I can't imagine why anyone would want them on the front of a car either. On a truckosaurus, maybe.

    On the other hand, if you're really worried about scratches on your front bumper, may I be the first to wryly suggest increasing your following distance? ;-)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This question comes up now and then and the consensus seems to be that they won't easily come off. Some people have put new fabric over the existing material to hide the warnings.

    As far as removing the lettering, check out the Badge/emblem removal techniques discussion for ideas.

    Steve, Host
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Company arrived and Homelink successfully set up. If you haven't performed this little procedure yet yourself, I've found most garage door openers are "hair-trigger" devices whereas the Homelink button on the Murano rear view mirror must be pressed and held longer to make the garage door open or close.
    Liked your reply about not following that closely gust334.
    :)
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    I have wondered (to myself) for some time now if those tube bumper protectors you see on a lot of trucks would in some way effect the operation of the driver and passenger airbag (sensors)?

    Any ideas?
  • palmerpalmer Member Posts: 33
    Anyone know how much I should pay for a FWD SL Murano with leather package?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Bullbars can affect the airbags since they can change the crumple zones. So I'd guess that tube bumpers could have the same effect. Lots of net links about bullbars in NZ and Australia where they are more common - they offer ones down there that are "soft". Some are made of plastic and/or padded etc. Some are certified to be compatible with airbags too, so that would be good to check with the manufacturer.

    Steve, Host
  • opeddleropeddler Member Posts: 1
    We have been looking at the Murano's however we just discovered that they require high test gas wondering if this is a requirement or if anyone has tried reg gas .
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    At this site, and other sites, others have reported using regular with the Nissan 3.5 engine without much loss in performance. I'm about to buy a Murano, and intend to use regular myself.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Dealer filled up my Murano with premium. Vehicle ran fine, got 18.1 m.p.g. Second tank full was mid-level octane, vehicle ran fine, got 18.0 m.p.g. Third and most recent tank full was regular, vehicle still running fine, getting 17.1 m.p.g.
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    The owner's manual says premium is "recommended." But, many drivers just use regular. You tend to get slightly lower gas milage, but you should not see much loss in performance.
  • xplorx4xplorx4 Member Posts: 621
    A brush guard or tube bumper will likely have little effect on an airbag's performance, since their primary purpose is cosmetic and to protect the bumpers from runaway shopping carts and poor parallel-parkers.

    Bullbars, usually made of heavy-gauge steel, affect airbag operation only in the sense that they modify the crumple zone characteristics of the vehicle. Airbags are deployed based on a G-sensor detector (usually mounted inside the cabin under the center console), and modification of the crumple zone would alter the amount of G-forces transmitted through the chassis to the sensor during a collision.
  • balithaibalithai Member Posts: 14
    I am considering the Murano and have test driven an SL the other day. For those of you who have them already, what do you think of the rear visibility? The rear pillar seemed to block more of my view than I am used to (I have a Volvo V70 wagon now). Has it been a problem for anyone in backing up or mergeing lanes? Thanks!
  • baataboombaataboom Member Posts: 23
    The Murano design certainly encourages you to use your mirrors! To answer your question, I don't find any problems maneuvering. But then I was already inclined to use the mirrors. It's nice that the mirrors can be preset for 2 individuals and then automagically arranged based on the keyfob that's used.

    For those that prefer to turn their head/body toward the A-pillar, it can be a bit of a learning experience. My wife falls into this category. I call it her Alabama turn signal, because when she turns her head, she inevitably begins to drift in that direction. (We live in Alabama and she's a native of sorts, but I'm not knocking Alabamians).
  • ndboomerndboomer Member Posts: 20
    I don't know if this is news or not, but I just saw an ad promoting Murano's being sold at invoice in local (northern Indiana) dealership. If anyone interested, will post more info.
  • djocksdjocks Member Posts: 124
    I am within 48 hours of buying a Murano. Two questions....

    1. Does anyone have a defense for the SE over the SL or the other way around?

    2. It seems there is a difference between the lights of the SL vs SE. Are the SL lights standard lights or HID's? And if so do the do a good job of lighting the road. Or can I just get HID's of the SL?

    Please help!!!! I remind myself of my wife in that I can not decide!
  • rbridgmanrbridgman Member Posts: 4
    I chose the SL over the SE because the suspension was a bit more supple without losing too much of the handling. My SL handles beautifully for such a heavy car.

    The HID lights are part of a package with the SL, but standard on the SE. You can't buy them separately. I got them on my car, and they're great (plus they are height adjustable from inside the car).
  • balithaibalithai Member Posts: 14
    Thanks baataboom for the input. I do use my mirrors, but I do like to check behind me when I merge (still cant shake my dad's driver's training)!
  • bhoward99bhoward99 Member Posts: 27
    My wife and I bought a AWD-SL, after driving it around our neighborhood, we think the ride and the noise level, when going over bumps or rough pavement is louder than what we experinced when we drove it at the dealership.

    My wife seems to think the 2WD is quieter or less rough.

    The sales guy told us the ride should be exactly the same between the AWD or the 2WD. IS this true ? (You can turn the AWD off...)

    My question: Is the suspension the same between the 2WD and AWD? Will the ride be better on the 2WD ? (keep in mind this is the SL which is
    supposed to be a smoother ride)

    We are thinking about going back to the dealership to drive the 2WD. Unfortunately, we have already bought the car. It < a week old.

    Please advise ....we like the car...just would of opt'd for the quieter ride if there is a difference.
  • ek01ek01 Member Posts: 37
    I bought the SE because in Canada, Nissan configures the options such that SL cannot be had with VDC, traction control, leather, HID or tire pressure monitor.
  • toystwotoystwo Member Posts: 2
    Do any of the rental agencies rent Murano's (Hertz, Avis, etc.)? We are not sure we really want an SUV and would like to live with one for a few days. It seems that I have seen Nissans in someone's fleet but I can't remember who.

    Thanks
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    I doubt it. The Murano is pretty new and I haven't seen any on rental lots. I haven't even seen any Toyota Highlanders. Your idea makes perfect sense though. I'd like to rent one for a day or so myself.
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    well, I just typed "rent" and "Nissan Murano" into Google. It came up with a hit on Avis' website. Avis advertises that they will be renting Muranos. I don't know if it is true or no, but it might be worth giving Avis a ring.
  • djocksdjocks Member Posts: 124
    My wife will now be driving a black Murano SL with black leather interior, loaded with everything but navigation.

    Crazy thing is, she picked out the color scheme. She is always cold and likes warming up in a car even in the summer.

    I know I mentioned this before but we(she) drove it up against some serious competition. The Lexus RX300, Audi All-Road, MDX and Highlander. She absolutely loved the Murano the best and hey, "if the shoe fits...". She liked its looks and size over the MDX and she liked its updated styling and uniqueness over the RX300. She liked the Audi (as did I) but could not get station wagon out of her head. And from the first drive this is what she wanted!

    So I am happy to join the crowd here. It is really a great car(suv). Hopefully for all of us, it follows the Nissan reputation and is reliable (knock on wood!) and we enjoy it for a long time.

    BTW... I don't play nice with dealers. I usually will work dealers of the same makes off each other. I did find the Nissan dealers to be pretty flexible on price considering this is a new release. they gave me an insane trade for our Honda Accord('97 ex w/ 105K miles - $5,500) and a little over $500 above invoice with 2.9% financing. The trade was the deal maker but I did see room in other dealers as well.
  • melastmelast Member Posts: 1
    As a Canadian living in Ontario, I read with envy of pricing Muranos just above invoice in the US. Is there somewhere where someone can direct me that would tell me how we can get similar prices in Canada? The dealers here offer very little off MSRP.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    Toyota offers a rental program through some of their dealerships. Check their web site for more information. Seem it was called the extended test drive or something like that.

    Nissan could really learn from Toyota on that one. Imagine how many 350Z's they could rent on weekends!
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    I just pick up my new Murano SE AWD, I do notice that is a switch "AWD Lock". what is this? if I don't lock it,is this car only 2 wheel drive, where I live is a lot of snow. do I need to lock it all the time or is this a auto AWD.the salesman said AWD is only auto to 80KM after that is 2WD. so what good is it when I go on the highway limit is 110KM.
    I also own a Mercedes ML320 it is a 4 wheel drive,it don't have a 4W lock switch at all.
    I have ask many people about this, no one can give an answer.
    Thankx
  • bhoward99bhoward99 Member Posts: 27
    Hello email77,

    That is my understanding as well. AWD is only at lower speeds if the AWD switch is turned on. If the AWD is off, then the Murano is essentially 2WD. Keep in mind the Murano also has traction control.

    4WD vehicles have lower gear ranges, is my understanding. Do a google search on AWD vs 4WD and you can read about the differences.
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    The Murano is AWD at all speeds. It stays in FWD until it detects slip and sends power to to the rear wheels. The lock on the dash only locks it in 50 - 50 mode until 18 mph. But, the Murano will send some power to the back wheels at any speed.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    From another Murano message board:

    "The Murano (AWD models, of course) offers TWO modes of usage, but the ONLY difference between the two modes is at speeds ABOVE 30K/H. When the AWD Lock switch is DISabled, the car operates in THE SAME way, at ALL SPEEDS: the car operates as FWD (FrontWheelDrive) UNTIL slippage of either front wheel is detected, hencewhich, the rear wheels are provided torque! This happens at ANY speed, from 0.0001MPH, up the computer limited maximum of 116MPH, SO LONG as the AWD Lock is OFF.
    WHEN AWD Lock is ENABLED, at speeds of 30KPH and under, the rear wheels receive an equal share of torque from the front wheels (that is to say, the two rear wheels combined receive a full 50% of the engine torque, and the front two wheels share the other 50%), which is excellent for unjamming the crossover from snow (up to a sensible limit; it's foolish to attempt taking on 3' of snow in a car with unlockable diffs). Once you exceed 30KPH, the AWD system returns to "normal operation," wherewhich is operates as stated in my previous paragraph, and the car sends the full 100% of the engine's torque to be split between the two front wheels, unless slippage is detected, and then up to 50% of the engine's torque is then distributed to the rear wheels to share. When the car has AWD Lock enabled, and is operating below 30KPH, and also in the rare case where sufficient slippage occurs with AWD Lock DISabled but a full 50% of the engine's torque is still sent to the rear pair of wheels, the car is then operating "as if" it has a "Locked Center Differential." The Murano does not have lockable front or rear differentials; what does this mean? Simply put, even WITH AWD Lock enabled at speeds below 30KPH, and ESPECIALLY with AWD Lock DISabled or at any speed over 30KPH, if one front wheel AND one rear wheel have ZERO traction, your Murano will be sending 100% (all) of its torque to the zero traction wheels, thus applying zero torque to the ground, thus affecting zero motion to the car; if you're stuck in so much snow that one front wheel AND one rear wheel have no traction whatsoever, you're stuck, pal. Of course, this also means that so long as you have ALL four wheels with grip, ANY three wheels with grip, or BOTH wheels at EITHER end at ANY time with grip, you Murano will be able to move; so don't go putting your Murano in a position where it has one front AND one rear wheel tractionless!
    The Subaru AWD systems on all their cars have, basically, limited slip center AND rear differentials. In basic terms, this means that in order to get your Subaru totally stuck, you have to have NEITHER rear wheel, AS WELL as one front wheel tractionless. How you're going to get a Subaru hung up and tractionless at the whole rear end and one front wheel is beyond me, but knowing some people it's boudn to happen *shrugs*. If you have some grip at any two wheels at the same time on a Subaru, and the snow is not packed under the car too tight, the car will move, albeit with a certain deal of wheel slippage anyway, because these are not true locked diffs center and rear, but merely limited slip, but limited slip does guarantee at least minimal torque split.
    If you REALLY want to go dominate a bunch of snow, you would want a car that allows FULLY LOCKED FRONT, CENTER and REAR diffs! I know a few cars that have this, including the Humvee (Hummer H1), a Land Rover Defender 90, and the Toyota Land Cruiser (models outside the USA as well as the previous generation and older ones here in the USA. The latest, USA V8 model, from what I hear, only offers lockable center and rear diffs). With all three diffs locked, you'd have to have the car hung up in such a way that NOT ONE WHEEL can put down enough torque to get it mobile."

    I couldn't bring myself to retype it all!
  • bhoward99bhoward99 Member Posts: 27
    After reading some of these messages. I checked the PSI on the tire. They were all at 50 PSI.
    Took the car to the dealer this morning, and was told by the dealer that Nissan sets the tire pressure high to prevent the car from moving around on the ship.

    Correct me if I am wrong...Don't tire manufactures give max PSI ratings for a reason ?
    Would this not void the tire warranty ? If the dealership knows this, which I am sure it did, then this should be something that should get checked when the car comes on to the dealers lot.

    Regardless..it did not make much of a difference in the ride.

    (BTW : Thanks dklanecky for the explanation.
    above)
  • nisenewmannisenewman Member Posts: 6
    Hi ALL,

    I have been following a lot of the posts, and they are so helpful. I like alot of you have driven most of the SUV's out there. Had it narrowed down to the HL & Murano. Kept coming back to the Murano. So before I jump in head first I hope a few of you can help me out with a few questions.1) How is the wind deflector working out for any who have it? 2) The leather latte color how is it holding up cleaning wise? 3) If you have the latte color is the dash latte or charcol? If it is latte is the refection hard to drive with? 4) For those who have put on the side molding do you have any pictures to share? My son wants the pewter, and hubby wants the latte. I am leaning toward the gold with latte if I can keep it reasonably clean without investing in to much elbow grease, and a mass stock of leather cleaner.
    I hope you all have some good advice for me.
  • bspzbspz Member Posts: 35
    I've got the Polished Pewter/Latte leather and never had an issue with reflection...also have two kids under 10 and it hasn't been hard to keep clean even after a few trips to McDonald's (against my wishes, BTW)!
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    The only negative I have observed with the light colored interior is on my co-workers Infiniti I-35.

    She wears a black leather jacket and I've (and she's) noticed that the lid covering the console and the edge's of the seat are starting to look "dirty".

    Maybe it's just not a "quality" leather jacket?

    Other than that, no issues with normal wear and tear.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    I have a Glacier White Murano with Latte interior and at first I noticed reflections between the dash and the windshield and was a little concerned it might be distracting but I stopped noticing it after a day or two so it is no longer a factor.
    I also just received a black leather car coat from Eddie-Bauer. The instructions say the following, "At first, dark shades may transfer some color, especially if your garment is damp. Exercise care when wearing dark leather items with light-colored garments or when sitting on light colored upholstery".
    Hope this helps.
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    To dklanecky thank you for the info, it is so helpful to me to understand between 4X4 and AWD now. thanks again
  • roadrunner70roadrunner70 Member Posts: 241
    if anyone has found a bug shield, please post info asap. to my knowledge, none are available for the murano.

    i put black side molding on my silver murano with black interior a la bmw x5, and it looks oem. look at any bmw x5 to see what it would look like, atleast on a silver car, but bmw puts the black on all their's. cost: $22.00. i purchased it at paint and body shop supply store and installed it immediatley above the indent on the side.

    if anyone has the factory tow hitch, i would very much like to find out what size box (2" or 1.5") is on it, and if it has a 4 pin or 5 pin wiring harness.

    is there suppposed to be a light at the power outlet to the right of the consol? mine's not lit up at night.
  • berg32berg32 Member Posts: 56
    Thank you bhoward99 for alerting me to check tire inflation. Sure enough, mine were all at 50 psi. I lowered all to 33, will be eager to see if it drives differently. I'm annoyed with my dealer for not prepping car fully (he also didn't install triangular piece below front bumper where tow is connected). I'm also annoyed at myself for not having checked sooner (I've put 500 miles on my SL AWD). So everyone, go check your tire inflation, now.
  • berg32berg32 Member Posts: 56
    Does anyone know of an available cell-phone-stalk that fits in the Murano's rectangular cell-phone compartment? I think I saw a photo of one at this site. I bought one that goes into a cupholder, am planning to rig it up with some modeling clay, but would appreciate knowing if one is available commercially that fits already. Thanks!
  • rwshumaterwshumate Member Posts: 1
    Test drove the Murano SL AWD last weekend; pleasantly suprised by the handling, braking, room, creature comforts, etc. Wasn't all that impressed by the acceleration. Overall, very nice. My wife loved it, I'm still on the fence.

    Anyway, today I get home and there's a message from the sales guy saying that tomorrow Nissan will announce warranties are now good for 100K. Anyone heard anything like that? I checked the Nissan USA site and searched various news websites but found nothing. If that's bumper-to-bumper, it might be enough to sway me. Even if it's just the drivetrain, it's still great news. The CVT kinda scares me.
    Thx, Randy
  • uncledaviduncledavid Member Posts: 548
    I haven't heard anything at all about the warranty, but that would be good news indeed.

    Keep in mind that Nissan has used the CVT for many years without problem on vehicles in Japan. Also, the CVT actually has fewer moving parts than a more conventional automatic and (theoretically) should be more reliable.
  • andrews928andrews928 Member Posts: 64
    One concern is that the Murano is Nissan's first CVT with the torque capacity to work with a big SUV. (In the US) Although the Japanese "Extroid" has a toroidal roller type CVT in a high torque engine it also cannot tolerate the low temps in North America. Most push belt CVT's used in Japan are for smaller, lower torque engines. Still, a lot of benefits with an unknown reliability factor in this combination.
  • sootnsilverfansootnsilverfan Member Posts: 1
    That would really be great if they offered that kind of coverage. I am really considering purchasing one.

    I would like to know from current owners how many of you decided to pick up the extended warranty and appx how much you paid. I would not normally consider purchasing the extended warranties, but since this a new tranny set-up, I would like to have that peace of mind. For a such a new technology, I can imagine it could be very expensive if it required any major work and I don't think that you could take it to just any transmission shop.

    Really close to buying one so any input that you current Murano owners can supply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
  • nisenewmannisenewman Member Posts: 6
    Thank you dklanecky & dweiser for helping me out with my questions.I am now the proud owner of a new murano.
    Had to go to a Dr. in another town about 3o miles away. Had an hour to kill it was pouring rain and hubby suggests we go see what muranos they had in stock, and there it was the pewter with latte 2wd, leather, and just calling my name.
    It was just what I wanted, so we tell the salesman
    3% over invoice no churning. Turned out he was the lead guy wrote us up right there no hassles. It helped that I had done my homework here, and the numbers computed perfectly. He added 1st free oil change, exterior & interior car protector. It was too bad I had to have eye surgery that day or I would have drove it home on the spot. I pick it up monday.
    As a side note our local dealer would not roll over on 8% over invoice, driving 30miles saved us enough to buy some extra goodies for it, and still leave some left over. Also I tried to buy the extented warrenty. Salesman would not let me. He said see if you like it you have 3yrs to purchase, and if you decide to keep it over the 3rys buy it before the 3yrs, and keep your $ in the bank. So we drove out happy. A nice car buying experince.
  • dklaneckydklanecky Member Posts: 559
    on your new vehicle! With a positive Dealer experience like you had, would you mind posting the name and city state of the dealer you bought from?

    That way, maybe others could share your positive experience with a Nissan dealer. There seem to be a few excellent ones out there but it doesn't seem to be the norm.
  • email77email77 Member Posts: 27
    Since this is a new car to me, I want this baby have the best thing on the world it can. any one knows what kind the oil is best for it? how about Synthetic Oil, if use Synthetic oil do you need to change oil every 6000KM? dose it do any good to the engine? Thank you for the help.
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Glad to have helped. I am still absolutely loving my Murano and wish you happiness with yours. Bet you can't wait until Monday. Had company recently, niece drives a Ford Expedition (Eddie-Bauer model) and brother drives an F-150 4X4. Both LOVED my Murano.
  • nisenewmannisenewman Member Posts: 6
    The dealer ship is in Deland fla. Not sure that would help alot of you out, but It helped that I had done my homework and knew what the bottom line was, or they could have given me 3% over what ever they wanted (LOL)The salesman said you know more about this car than I do. (IT was true
    LOL)
    I can't wait. I also had a ford explorer 96, and I loved it, but it drove like a truck. I love the sporty handling of the Murano. I'm not a speed demon, but when you have to merge onto the highway
    I want the power : )
  • dweiserdweiser Member Posts: 288
    Which model are you getting? I've never driven the SE but others here have made good comments.
  • woodyr1woodyr1 Member Posts: 142
    I have the 3.5 VQ engine in my 2001 Pathfinder, and was advised by the Nissan dealership not to use synthetic oil until the engine was broken in. I am sure it is broken in at the current 40,000 km, and will try full synthetic very soon.

    Nissan advised me that synthetic does not allow for the extension of the oil change interval.

    Hope this helps.
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