Nissan Elgrand E51 & E52 Parts Guide for Import Owners

This guide contains affiliate links to eBay. See the note at the end.

Quick answer: Identify your Elgrand from the chassis code at the start of the frame number: E51/NE51/ME51/MNE51 for the E51 (2002–2010) and PE52/PNE52/TE52/TNE52 for the E52 (2010–2026), where an N usually marks 4WD. Then search by chassis code and engine code (VQ35DE, VQ25DE or QR25DE), and send the seller your frame number and build date for body, brake and suspension parts.

Search for "Nissan Elgrand brake pads" and you'll find plenty, but not all of them will fit your car. Two generations, three engines, rear- or front-wheel drive and four facelifts all change the part number, and because Nissan never sold the Elgrand new in Australia, New Zealand or the UK, your local dealer may not be able to look it up. Expect a polite shrug and a "have you tried online?"

This guide shows you how to identify your E51 or E52 from the frame number, which differences actually matter for parts, and how to search so the first thing you order is the right thing.

E51 or E52? The differences that matter for parts

E51 E52
Built (Japan) 2002–2010 2010–2026
Engines 3.5 L V6 (VQ35DE); 2.5 L V6 (VQ25DE) added late 2004 3.5 L V6 (VQ35DE); 2.5 L four-cylinder (QR25DE)
2WD layout Rear-wheel drive Front-wheel drive
4WD Available Available
Facelifts 2004, 2007 2014, 2020

The drivetrain change is the one people miss. A 2WD E51 drives the rear wheels and a 2WD E52 drives the front, so driveline, suspension and many engine-bay parts don't cross over between generations, even where the engine code is the same.

The facelifts matter for lights, bumpers and grilles. Use your build date, not just the year on the import papers, when a listing says "early" or "late".

Reading your chassis code

The chassis code is at the start of your frame number. Codes you'll commonly see include:

  • E51: E51, NE51 (V6 3.5) and ME51, MNE51 (V6 2.5)
  • E52: PE52, PNE52 (V6 3.5) and TE52, TNE52 (2.5 four-cylinder)

As a rule, an N in the code marks the four-wheel-drive version. Check your own paperwork rather than relying on a list, though, because Nissan codes have exceptions. Our guide to reading a Japanese model code shows where to find yours, or paste your code into our free Model Code Lookup to decode it.

Why it matters: an E52 with the four-cylinder QR25DE needs completely different engine parts from a V6 E52, even though they look the same from outside.

Got the new one? Nissan launched an all-new Elgrand (E53) with e-POWER hybrid drive in Japan in 2026. Nothing in this guide applies to it.

The engines are well known outside Japan

  • The VQ35DE V6 was used in many Nissans sold overseas, including the 350Z and the Murano.
  • The QR25DE four-cylinder was used in models such as the X-Trail and Altima in other markets.

So engine service parts may be easier to find than you'd expect. Always confirm by part number, though. The same engine can use a different oil filter, air filter or plug in a different car because of how it's packaged in the engine bay.

The parts you'll buy most often

Oil filter

→ Elgrand E51 / E52 oil filters

Engine air filter

Different housings for different engines. Match your engine code.
→ Elgrand engine air filters

Cabin air filter

The Elgrand has a long cabin and rear air-con. A fresh filter helps the back rows and stops musty smells.
→ Elgrand cabin air filters

Spark plugs

Plug access on the V6 is tighter than on the four-cylinder, and on some layouts part of the intake has to come off first. Many owners have them done at the same time as other work.
→ Elgrand spark plugs

Front brake pads

A loaded Elgrand is heavy. Pads and rotors vary by generation, engine and sometimes wheel size, so send the seller your frame number.
→ Elgrand front brake pads

Wiper blades

→ Elgrand wiper blades

Owning an older E51? Budget for age, not faults

Even the youngest E51 is now around 16 years old. On any people mover that age, expect to replace:

  • Rubber and plastic parts such as hoses, bushes and engine mounts
  • Power sliding door mechanisms and cables, which get heavy use in family cars
  • Air-con components, especially the long lines running to the rear unit
  • Suspension, after years of carrying a full load

We don't publish a "common faults" list, because how each car was used in Japan varies so much. A post-import inspection by a mechanic who knows Nissans tells you more about your car than any list can.

The import-only fixes

Also driving a Serena?

The Serena (C26 / C27) is Nissan's smaller Japanese people mover and another common import. It's a different car with different parts, and we list it separately: Serena C26 / C27 parts. For codes and fitment, read our Nissan Serena C26 and C27 parts guide.

Buying Elgrand parts on eBay

  1. Search the chassis code ("PE52 brake pads", "E51 cabin filter"), not just "Elgrand".
  2. Search the engine code for engine parts, then confirm with the seller.
  3. Send your frame number and build date for anything body, brake or suspension related.
  4. Compare the total cost, including shipping and GST.

See all Nissan Elgrand Parts with live eBay prices →

FAQ

Do E51 Elgrand parts fit an E52?

Mostly not for driveline, suspension and many engine-bay parts. A 2WD E51 drives the rear wheels and a 2WD E52 drives the front, so parts don't cross over between generations even where the engine code is the same.

How do I tell if my Elgrand is 4WD from the chassis code?

As a rule, an N in the code (such as NE51, MNE51, PNE52 or TNE52) marks the four-wheel-drive version. Nissan codes have exceptions, so check your own paperwork.

What engine is in my Elgrand E52?

The E52 came with the 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 (PE52, PNE52) or the 2.5 L QR25DE four-cylinder (TE52, TNE52). They need completely different engine parts even though the cars look the same from outside.

Can I buy Elgrand parts from a Nissan dealer in Australia?

Nissan never sold the Elgrand new in Australia, New Zealand or the UK, so your local dealer may not be able to look it up. The VQ35DE and QR25DE were used in other Nissans sold overseas, so some engine service parts may be easier to find, but always confirm by part number.

Does this guide cover the new E53 Elgrand?

No. Nissan launched an all-new Elgrand (E53) with e-POWER hybrid drive in Japan in 2026, and nothing in this guide applies to it.

All our Elgrand pages are in Grey Import Family Cars, alongside the other Nissans in Nissan Parts.

Ad / Affiliate links: YOU SHOULD, SHA. Parts links to eBay. We earn a commission from eBay on qualifying purchases made through those links, at no extra cost to you. We are not eBay and not the seller. Always confirm fitment with the seller or a qualified mechanic.