Cima VH45DE V8 Engines
from £1,800 to £4,500
Rebuilt units from £1,800 · Common codes: VH45DE, VH45DE-1, VH45DE-2
Get quotes today from trusted UK Nissan Cima engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines - supply & fit available.
Cima VH45DE V8 Engines
from £1,800 to £4,500
Rebuilt units from £1,800 · Common codes: VH45DE, VH45DE-1, VH45DE-2
Cima VQ30DET Turbo Engines
from £2,200 to £5,200
Rebuilt units from £2,200 · Common codes: VQ30DET, VQ30DET-A
Cima VK45DE Late Model Engines
from £2,000 to £4,800
Rebuilt units from £2,000 · Common codes: VK45DE, VK45DE-1, VQ35DE

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.


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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.

VH45DE - 4.5L Petrol
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£1,800 - £3,800
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?
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 rebuilt engine supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded internal components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Use the...
VH45DE Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Most affected vehicles
Nissan Cima LX, GX, Limited (FY31-FY33, 1988-2001, VH45DE)
Failure mileage range
60,000-90,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
Original hydraulic tensioners lose pressure over time, allowing chain slap that damages guides and can lead to catastrophic timing failure.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Preventative Tensioner Replacement | £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 | £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 | £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 |
Our recommendation
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.
Compare rebuilt VH45DE engine prices for your Nissan Cima
Every Nissan Cima engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, engine code and budget.
Compare Nissan Cima engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Nissan Cima within hours.

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
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Direct injector clogging from carbon buildup, fuel pressure regulator failure
Production Years: 1998-2001
Compare Nissan Cima 2.5L petrol engine prices
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.
Common Nissan Cima Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
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.
Common Nissan Cima Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
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.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
VH45DE- 4.5L petrol (LX / GX / Limited)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
VH45DE