I've always used Shell Helix Ultra Professional AF-L 5w30 because that's what it recommends in the handbook.
Shell now describes this as an alternative and recommends AJ-L now instead. Just wondered if any one else has converted to the new type? Apparently it's made from natural gas!!

I am still using up my stock of AF-L., but will be needing to buy some soon.
I have just checked Opie oils.
It still lists AF-L but says non availability. I must say it has rocketed in price compared to last time I bought from them.
They show various alternatives but no mention of AJ-L .
Mike. G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair

If this is considered to be suitable for 4.4 tdV8 engines, then it is a lot cheaper on this offer from Eurocarparts with free delivery. ??
The 0 w - 30 rating is a bit worrying, compared to 5w-30 for AF-L ??
Mike

https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/shell-helix...-521773601 G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair

Thanks Mike. Opie do the AJ-L in 5w30 but it's £60 for 5 litres. I have 10 litres of the AF-L left on my garage shelf but I like to replace 'my stock' as I use it. Will do some more checking to see if AJ-L is the new recommendation.

Got this 20l monty from Costco. Hope it's okay.

Click image to enlarge

Kevin,
Shell give ACEA C1 for AF- L. 5 -30. but. ACEA C2 for AJ-L 0- 30.

I really don’t understand how they can sell oil with the same name and two different ratings
ie AJ-L that is 0w-30 and AJ-L that is 5w-30..

Is it any wonder that even garages fill cars with the wrong spec oil.

I think we need ACEA C1.

Mike. G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair

I've just used my last AF-L last month, like some on here, I like to have "stock" in readiness for the next service albeit 12 months ahead.
I try & look out for Opie's discount times, although the standard price of oil has sky-rocketed, with 10% or 15% it helps a little. 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

Just found this on the "ebay bargain" link, very tempting I must say although somewhat cautious that it is exactly Shell AF-L....should be, but you never know.



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133874221484?mk...d49cc781cf 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

It's definitely getting harder to get hold of and the price has really gone up. I used to get it from Euro car parts at £80 for 10 litres. I wonder if you would pay import duty on the offer from Germany?

I have just placed an order from link above rather than risk the AJ-L until more is known about it.
Just need to order 2 filter elements now because I am down to my last one.
Mike. G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair

I bought some AF-L from Germany a few years ago & didn’t have any issues with import tax, whether things have changed or not I don’t know.
The cynic in me says is it genuine Shell at that price? 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

Well, if Baltic Blue has ordered it I might as well order some. If it’s cooking oil in a Shell can then we’re all !
It is a cracking price but wait & see what appears!
BB I hold you responsible,  2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

If anyone just wants enough for one service, the guy is doing this

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133874221462?_t...044.m43681 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you Mike/Fox889. Good saving even with the postage.

Which is best, German cooking oil or North Sea gas in a can ??
Mike. G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair