Quick Answer: The Nissan VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine powered millions of Infiniti FX35, G35, M35, and Nissan 350Z vehicles from 2003 through 2008, plus continuing applications. The valve cover is bank-specific — left and right banks are different parts. Aftermarket replacement uses Ranmi RM100001 (left bank, OE 13264-AM610) and Ranmi RM100002 (right bank, OE 13264-AM600). Both should be ordered as a pair for complete service.
VQ35DE Engine Background
The VQ35DE is a 3.5L naturally aspirated DOHC V6 with continuously variable valve timing (CVTCS). It was named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple years and powered:
- Infiniti FX35 (S50 first-generation, 2003–2008)
- Infiniti G35 (V35 sedan and coupe, 2003–2007)
- Infiniti M35 (Y50, 2006–2010)
- Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003–2008)
- Nissan Murano (Z50, 2003–2007 select markets)
- Nissan Maxima (A35, 2009–2014)
- Nissan Pathfinder (R51 V6 versions)
OE Number Reference
|
Bank |
OE Number |
Ranmi SKU |
Vehicle Years |
|
Left bank |
13264-AM610 |
RM100001 |
INFINITI FX35/G35/M35, 350Z 2003–2008 |
|
Right bank |
13264-AM600 |
RM100002 |
INFINITI FX35/G35/M35, 350Z 2003–2008 |
|
Pair (set) |
both |
RM100001/02 set |
Complete pair |
For the related VQ35HR engine (revised version, 2005–2009 350Z and Infiniti G37), use:
- Left bank: 13264-JK20A → Ranmi RM100054
- Right bank: 13264-JK20B → Ranmi RM100055
Why Both Banks Together
Common B2B mistake: ordering only one bank. This causes:
- Workshop confusion when only one valve cover arrives
- Customer return of single-bank order
- Distributor inventory mismatch over time
Best practice: always order RM100001 and RM100002 in equal quantities. The Ranmi catalog specifically lists "RM100001/02 对装 one set" indicating pair packaging.
Specifications
|
Attribute |
Left Bank (RM100001) |
Right Bank (RM100002) |
|
Material |
Glass-filled nylon |
Glass-filled nylon |
|
Color |
Black |
Black |
|
Packing per inner box |
8 pcs |
8 pcs |
|
Net weight |
1.02 kg |
0.92 kg |
|
Inner box dimensions |
45×24.5×16 cm |
40×22×13 cm |
|
Carton dimensions |
70×46.5×51 cm |
58×41.5×47 cm |
|
Carton gross weight |
13.6 kg |
11.6 kg |
Why VQ35DE Demand Is Strong
This engine is now 18–22 years old in early production vehicles. Replacement demand peaks because:
- Plastic aging — original valve covers have endured 18+ summer cycles
- Spark plug well oil leakage — VQ35DE valve cover integrates spark plug tube seals; failure is common
- Heat aging from intake manifold proximity — Nissan VQ engine layout puts valve covers close to heat sources
- Strong used-vehicle market — many VQ35DE vehicles still in service, especially in Middle East, Caribbean, Russia
Common Failure Patterns
In service, VQ35DE valve covers typically fail at:
- Spark plug tube seals (oil pools around plugs, causes misfires P0301–P0306)
- PCV port boss (heat-induced cracking)
- Bolt boss stress fractures (over-torque from previous service)
- Integrated baffle plate detachment (causes oil ingestion)
Replacement workflow: ~75 minutes for a workshop technician to replace both banks, including new gaskets and spark plug tube seals.
Sourcing Tips
- Always order in pairs — RM100001 and RM100002 in equal quantities
- Check for VQ35HR variant for newer model-year Z and G37 — uses different SKUs (RM100054/55)
- Stock Murano-specific covers separately — RM100016/17 (left/right) for 2007–2014 Murano with internal differences
- Request gasket sets — VQ35DE gasket set includes spark plug tube seals; confirm inclusion in supplier quote
FAQ
Q1: Is RM100001 interchangeable with VQ35HR? No. VQ35DE (2003–2008) and VQ35HR (2005–2009) have different valve cover OE numbers and physically different parts. Always cross-reference.
Q2: How many pairs in a 20ft container? Approximately 750 pairs per 20ft container based on 8 pcs per inner box and standard outer cartons.
Q3: Are all VQ35DE valve covers identical across vehicle models? Yes within the VQ35DE family. The same RM100001/02 pair fits Infiniti FX35, G35, M35, and Nissan 350Z 2003–2008.