Hi,

To cut a long (boring) story short I have 2x4 litres of unopened Shell Helix HX8 5W40 engine oil - ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on whether or not this is OK for my 2005 L320 2.7 TDV6. (No DPF).

I would never deviate too far from the recommended oil for obvious reasons and having read various internet articles it looks 'safe'. However the gurus on here have never let me down and I value your experience and opinions.

Thanks. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Needs to be a 5w30 A5 - B5 Ford 913 D spec

One number represents the thickness at cold and the other number thickness at hot.

So they are quite similar.

I wouldn't like to tell you to use it, but I'd be tempted to use it for 6 months or so.

Obviously if the engine sounds worse, then change it out.

Note these engine aren't the most robust.


Citroen (with this same engine), actually recommend 5W40 ACEA: B3 or B4 during the winter season. So you could use it through winter

I would have no issue to use the 40 especially in warmer conditions. The bottom number is the important one as this is the start viscosity. We are often advised in Australia's warmer conditions to use a slightly higher viscosity rating. M16 SVD8 ,4.4 HSE with a few extras, Sold R50 , Wife SQ5 , BMW R1200GSW.

I would never put anything other than the manufacturer specified oil in any car engine. The specification is there for a reason and they know what they are talking about. Anything else is a bad idea and/or a false economy.

The workshop manual is quite clear. 5W30 913C or D spec only RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Lux
RRS 3.0 TDV6 gone
LR 3 HSE V8 gone
DiscoveryII V8 Gone
Discovery 1 V8 Gone
Mustang Shelby
Alfa Guilia (classic)

Oil flow is an intrinsic part of modern engine cooling.

Various holes around the block and in components are of a very particular size to achieve specific flow rates and pressures. I'd stick to JLR's spec. for the country- especially if there is a JLR or 3rd party warranty on the car

Thank you all for taking the time to reply and for sharing your thoughts. I'll keep to the recommended spec. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2