Nissan VQ35DE 3.5L V6 Engine
The VQ35DE is Nissan’s 3.5-litre V6 — Maxima, Murano, Altima, Quest, Pathfinder, the 350Z and most of the Infiniti range. It is a genuinely good engine with a long production run. Two things decide whether your replacement works: why these engines burn oil, and the DE versus HR distinction that trips up almost every first-time buyer.
Why VQ35DE engines burn oil
The cause is not the engine. It is the catalyst.
Nissan’s catalysts on this engine are sensitive to fuel quality. As the ceramic substrate breaks down, it produces an abrasive dust. That dust reaches the cylinders and damages the bores and piston rings. The result is low compression, and high fuel and oil consumption.
This is the same failure mode as the four-cylinder QR25DE. It is a Nissan pattern rather than a quirk of one engine. If you are replacing a VQ35DE that was burning oil and you do not address the catalyst, the replacement will go the same way. See our QR25DE guide for the same story on the 2.5.
What to do about it
- Inspect the catalyst before fitting a replacement engine. This is the single most important thing on this page.
- Ask for a compression test. Scored bores show as low compression on individual cylinders. Every engine we list is compression tested.
- Ask what the donor’s oil consumption was. A seller who cannot answer has not checked.
- Use decent fuel. The catalyst degradation is linked to fuel quality, so this is not just folklore.
Beyond that, the VQ35DE is a sound design. The timing chain is reliable and not a scheduled service item, and overheating is not typical — if one does overheat, look at the radiator and the cooling system expansion tanks rather than assuming a head gasket.
VQ35DE or VQ35HR? This is the one that catches people
Both are 3,498 cc V6s with a 95.5 mm bore and 81.4 mm stroke. They are not the same engine, and the difference is structural rather than cosmetic.
| VQ35DE | VQ35HR | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Variable timing | CVTCS on the intake cam | Dual CVTC — hydraulic intake, electromagnetic exhaust |
| Block deck | Standard | Raised 8.4 mm |
| Rods | Standard | Longer |
| Bottom end | Standard | Larger crank bearings, ladder-type main cap girdle |
| Intake | Single path | Dual path — two air cleaners and two throttle bodies |
| Redline | Lower | 7,500 rpm |
The HR arrived in August 2006 and first appeared in the 2007 US G35 sedan. In practice: if your car is front-wheel drive, you want a DE. If it is rear-wheel drive and from 2007 onward, you likely need an HR. Confirm before ordering — the raised deck alone makes these two very different units.
And the Rev-Up
In 2005 Nissan released a Rev-Up version of the VQ35DE with variable exhaust timing, a higher rev limit and a revised oil pump, rated at 297 crank hp. It went into the 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition and some Infiniti G35 models. It is a DE, but not an ordinary one — check the specific application.
VQ35DE specifications
| Displacement | 3,498 cc (3.5 L) |
|---|---|
| Bore × stroke | 95.5 mm × 81.4 mm |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24 valve, aluminium block and heads |
| Compression | 10.0:1, 10.3:1 or 10.6:1 depending on application |
| Timing | Chain driven — no belt service interval |
| Output | 231–304 PS depending on application |
How to identify your VQ35DE
On US-market Nissans and Infinitis the engine is identified by the 4th digit of the VIN, not the 8th as on domestic vehicles. You will see this on our listings written as “VIN A, 4th digit, VQ35DE”.
Two more things decide fitment:
- Drive layout. Front-wheel drive means DE, rear-wheel drive from 2007 usually means HR.
- Build market. Some units are Japan-built and some are not, and the two are not always the same part. Our listings say so where it applies.
Text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 and we will confirm DE or HR, the exact variant and every unit that interchanges. Free.
Which vehicles use the VQ35DE
| Nissan | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Maxima 2002–2023 | G35 Sedan 2002–2006 · Coupe 2002–2007 |
| Altima V6 2002–2018 | FX35 2002–2008 |
| Murano 2002–2024 | M35 2004–2008 |
| Quest 2003–2016 | I35 2001–2004 |
| 350Z 2002–2006 | QX4 2001–2003 |
| Pathfinder 2001–2004, 2013–2016 | JX35 2012–2013 · QX60 2013–2016 |
Browse stock: used Nissan engines · used Infiniti engines · Nissan transmissions.
Which years to buy
- Later units generally fare better, mostly because they have had less time for catalyst degradation to do its work. Mileage and service history matter more than the year itself on this engine.
- 350Z and G35 buyers: check carefully whether you need a DE, a Rev-Up DE or an HR. Three different answers across a short span of years.
- Front-wheel drive applications — Maxima, Murano, Altima, Quest, Pathfinder from 2013 — are the simplest buys. They are all DE and they are plentiful.
- Infiniti and Nissan share these engines freely, which widens your options considerably. A Murano unit and a QX60 unit can be the same part.
Used vs remanufactured VQ35DE
When used makes sense
Usually. The VQ35DE had a twenty-year production run across a dozen models, so good used units are easy to find and cheap relative to a rebuild. Pair one with a new catalyst and you have solved the actual problem.
When remanufactured makes sense
If the bores are what failed and you want them re-cut rather than replaced, a rebuild does that. But be clear-eyed: a rebuilt engine behind an old catalyst will ingest the same dust. The catalyst decides the outcome either way.
Used VQ35DE prices
Our VQ35DE units start at $984, priced by variant and mileage. Mileage on every listing is read off the donor odometer rather than estimated, and we photograph the actual unit before it ships.
Live prices: Nissan · Infiniti.
What is included
Engines ship as tested assemblies. You transfer your own intake, sensors, accessories and flywheel or flexplate from the old engine. Each listing states what is attached to that unit.
Budget for the catalyst. On this engine it is not an optional extra, it is the repair.
Shipping and warranty
Every engine is compression tested and photographed on the pallet before dispatch. Preparation takes 3 to 5 business days, then 2 to 4 days in transit on insured freight. Shipping is free to any address in all 50 states, residential included.
Standard warranty is 6 months, extendable to 3 years, with 7-day returns and free return shipping. Full terms: engine warranty policy · shipping policy · returns.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my VQ35DE burn oil?
The usual cause is the catalyst rather than the engine. Nissan's catalysts on this engine are sensitive to fuel quality, and as the ceramic substrate breaks down it produces an abrasive dust that damages the cylinder bores and piston rings. That shows up as low compression and high oil and fuel consumption. Replacing the engine without addressing the catalyst repeats the failure.
What is the difference between VQ35DE and VQ35HR?
They share displacement, bore and stroke but differ structurally. The HR has dual variable valve timing, a block deck raised 8.4 mm, longer connecting rods, larger crank bearings, a ladder-type main cap girdle and a dual-path intake with two air cleaners and throttle bodies. The DE was used in front-wheel-drive platforms and the HR in rear-wheel-drive ones. They are not interchangeable.
Does the VQ35DE have a timing belt or chain?
A chain, and it is one of the reliable parts of this engine. There is no scheduled replacement interval.
Which VIN digit identifies a Nissan or Infiniti engine?
The 4th digit, not the 8th as on domestic vehicles. Our listings write it out, for example VIN A, 4th digit, VQ35DE. Text your VIN to +1 (361) 470-5276 for a free confirmation of the exact variant.
What is a Rev-Up VQ35DE?
A 2005 version with variable exhaust timing, a higher rev limit and a revised oil pump, rated at 297 crank horsepower. It was fitted to the 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition and some Infiniti G35 models. It is still a DE, but not an ordinary one, so check the specific application before ordering.
Can I put an Infiniti VQ35DE in a Nissan?
Often yes, because Nissan and Infiniti shared these engines widely. A Murano and a QX60 unit can be the same part. Confirm by VIN first, since drive layout, build market and emissions equipment still vary.
Does the VQ35DE overheat?
Not typically. If one is overheating, check the radiator and the cooling system expansion tanks for leaks before assuming a head gasket. Overheating is not a characteristic fault of this engine.
How much is a used VQ35DE engine?
Ours start at $984, priced by variant and mileage. Every unit is compression tested and photographed before dispatch, and live pricing is on the Nissan and Infiniti collection pages.
Send your VIN and we will confirm DE or HR, the variant, and exactly what fits your car.
Call +1 (361) 470-5276 Text your VINMore buying guides: all used engine guides · Nissan QR25DE 2.5L · Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L