Nissan Elgrand E52 Lowdown

For any of you UK residents you will be well aware that the UK MOT test for an imported Elgrand means that we have to fit a rear fog light.  Initially I got a dual bulb put into one of the rear lights, but I have now found the ultimate fog light option!  Wait just a minute though....you can only fit it if you are the proud owner of a Autech Rider model. Sorry Highway Star drivers 😞 On the rear bumper skirt of the Rider it has two circular reflectors, which can be removed and some red LED lights fitted instead.  This is my car at night with the new fog lights in place. Removing the reflectors is easy, just reach behind the bumper and unscrew the nut from the thread.  They should just push out once released.  You need to drill a small hole in the bumper to feed the wire through which you can see below, and will then need to find a rubber bung behind the light block (with the reverse/indicator/stop) to feed it through to the inside of the car. I also sourced a fog...

I have been driving my E52 a year now and thought that I really should get around to doing some service items on it. First up, the air filter which I have found out is the same as the one used in the earlier E51 model.  After searching online I decided that I would try the K&N air filter which in theory lasts the life of the car.  It is washable so should never need replacing again.  It does also claim to improve performance but that feels like it might be one those typical claims, and not sure you need a few extra horses on a V6 van.  K&N 3320312 is the filter you need which is this: On the E52 you can simply unclip the air filter housing which is located at the back of the engine bay.  One clip each side and the cover lifts up enough to remove and replace the filter. I have driven the car about 200 miles since fitting the filter and it doesn't seem to negatively affect the acceleration.  I am not sure I can feel an improvement, but you never know....

Hopefully this helps some of you E52 owners out there or potential owners.  I have found and translated the Elgrand brochure specifications that were published from Nissan. 2 Wheel Drive Drivetrain 2WD Engine VQ35DE QR25DE Model 350 Highway Star Premium 350 Highway Star 250 Highway Star 250XG Seats 7 Seater 8 Seater 7 Seater 8 Seater Model Code DBA-PE52 DBA-TE52 CVT with Manual 6 Mode X X X X X X External Dimensions Length (mm) 4915 4915 Width (mm) 1850 1850 Height (mm) 1815 1805 Internal Dimensions Length (mm) 3020 Width (mm) 1580 Height (mm) 1275 (1270 if sunroofs fitted) Wheelbase 3000 Minimum ground clearance (mm) 150 140 Vehicle Weight (kg) 2020 2000 2000 1920 1920 1900 Total Weight (kg) 2405 2385 2440 2305 2360 2340 Minimum turning radius (m) 5.7 5.4 Fuel efficiency 10.15 Test (kml) 9.4 9.8 11.6 10.15 Test (mpg) 26.555 27.685 32.77 JC08 (kml) 9.2 9.2 10.8 ...