Jimmy
“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
Get quotes today from trusted UK Nissan Cima engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines - supply & fit available.
Rebuilt units from £1,800
Common codes: VH45DE, VH45DE-1, VH45DE-2
Rebuilt units from £2,200
Common codes: VQ30DET, VQ30DET-A
Rebuilt units from £2,000
Common codes: VK45DE, VK45DE-1, VQ35DE

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Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
The table below shows typical UK rebuilt engine costs across Nissan Cima variants - compare failure causes, engine codes, fuel types, and price ranges to benchmark what UK grey import owners are paying.


Customer Reviews
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,081 verified customers who sourced reconditioned and used Nissan Cima engines through EngineMarket.
Jimmy
“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
Pete
“Got three quotes within an hour and chose the best deal easily. The whole process was quick, clear and stress-free.”
Sophie
“I wasn't sure what I needed, but they helped me identify the right engine and connected me with a trusted garage.”
Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
- Jimmy, London
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Not sure which variant your Nissan Cima is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.
Every engine code fitted to the Nissan Cima across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Nissan Cima variants.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Nissan Cima variants.
Can't find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we'll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Nissan Cima engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
The Nissan Cima's VH45DE, VK45DE and VQ30DET engines are generally robust but known for specific failure points that drive UK grey import replacement enquiries. Every...
Every rebuilt engine includes a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Why Early Cima V8s Fail Prematurely
Production Years: 1988 - 2001
Engine: FY31-FY33 / VH45DE
Typical failure window
Original hydraulic tensioners lose pressure over time, allowing chain slap that damages guides and can lead to catastrophic timing failure.
| Repair Tier | Dealer Price | Specialist Price | What It Involves | Longevity / Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Preventative Tensioner Replacement Minor | £1,200 - £1,800 | £800 - £1,200 | Replace tensioners and guides before failure occurs | Viable only if caught early; prevents major damage |
Intermediate - Chain System Overhaul Intermediate | £2,500 - £3,800 | £1,600 - £2,400 | Full timing chain, guides, tensioners and seals replacement | Extends life 40k-60k miles if block is undamaged |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt VH45DE Engine Best Value | £4,500 - £6,200 | £1,800 - £3,800 | Supply & fit rebuilt engine with upgraded tensioners, bench tested, 12-month warranty | Best value for high-mileage or damaged units |
On a grey import Cima worth £8,000-£15,000, preventative tensioner replacement at 50k miles is smart. If you're hearing cold-start rattle above 70k miles, budget for full replacement - repair costs approach rebuild prices with no warranty.
The Nissan Cima is a rare grey import luxury sedan worth preserving. Whether you're dealing with VH45DE timing rattle, VQ30DET turbo issues, or VK45DE VVT-i faults, EngineMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK specialists who understand JDM imports. Every rebuilt engine includes upgraded components addressing the original failure point, bench testing, and a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Compare quotes today and get your Cima back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare Nissan Cima Engine Replacement Prices Now →Every Nissan Cima engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, engine code and budget.
Complete engine replacement service including delivery, fitting, calibration and post-install testing by UK JDM specialists.
Every displacement fitted to the Nissan Cima across UK grey import generations is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years and common failure notes to help you identify the right replacement.
The VQ25DD direct injection V6 was the entry-level petrol option for FY33 Cima LX and GX variants, offering improved fuel economy for grey import daily use while maintaining Nissan's smooth V6 character.
| ENGINE CODE(S) | VQ25DD |
| COMPATIBLE MODELS (UK) | FY33 LX, FY33 GX |
| PRODUCTION YEARS | 1998-2001 |
Direct injector clogging from carbon buildup, fuel pressure regulator failure
Not sure which engine size your Nissan Cima needs- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact displacement, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly. All engines supplied through EngineMarket include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Nissan Cima specialists.
Fuel Type
Choose your Nissan Cima engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from early VH45DE V8 to the latest VK45DE VVT-i.
All Nissan Cima models sold as UK grey imports feature petrol engines only, spanning naturally aspirated V8s, twin-turbo V6s and direct injection units across FY31-F50 generations.
Not sure which fuel type your Nissan Cima has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Nissan Cima specialists.
This technical timeline covers all major Nissan Cima engine changes across FY31-F50 generations, organised so grey import owners can quickly identify their engine and compare rebuilt prices from UK specialists.
Nissan Cima engine replacement costs range from £1,700 for a used VQ25DD to £5,200 for a rebuilt VQ30DET twin-turbo, depending on engine code, condition and supplier. Supply & fit adds £800-£1,800.
The late-model VH45DE-2 (1996+) and VK45DE-1 (2006+) show improved reliability over early units, with upgraded tensioners and VVT-i components reducing common failure risks for UK grey import owners.
VH45DE timing chain rattle stems from hydraulic tensioner wear allowing chain slack, typically appearing 60k-90k miles. Ignoring it risks guide damage, timing jump and catastrophic engine failure.
Yes, when sourced from UK specialists experienced with JDM imports. Reconditioned Cima engines include new seals, gaskets and wear items, bench testing and a 12-month unlimited mileage warranty for peace of mind.
Engine swaps like VH45DE to VK45DE are technically possible but complex, requiring ECU, wiring harness and mounting modifications. For most grey import owners, replacing like-for-like with upgraded components is more cost-effective and IVA-compliant.
Most rebuilt Nissan Cima engines are dispatched within 3-5 working days after order confirmation. Used engines from Japanese stock may take 7-14 days for shipping and UK customs clearance for grey import projects.
All rebuilt and reconditioned Nissan Cima engines supplied through EngineMarket include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Used engines typically carry 3-6 month coverage; confirm terms with your chosen supplier.
VH45DE and VK45DE V8s perform best with high-quality 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic oil changed every 5,000 miles. VQ series engines similarly benefit from synthetic oil and regular timing component inspection.
Yes, provided the replacement engine matches the original specification or is an approved variant. UK specialists supply documentation including engine codes, emissions compliance and DVLA notification support for grey import registration.
Enter your registration or VIN above for instant DVLA verification of your exact Cima variant, engine code and fuel type. Alternatively, check the engine stamp on the block or consult your Japanese export documentation.
Why Choose Us
Join thousands of UK drivers who compare Nissan Cima engine prices through our network of trusted specialists - every rebuilt and reconditioned unit backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and nationwide delivery.
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UK Engine Replacement Services for Nissan Cima
Covering every variant from LX to Type P and Type S, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide for grey import specialists.

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