The GM 5L40-E and 5L50 are 5-speed -Automatic transmission and equipped with a manual control function. They went into production in 1999. These are installed in various General Motors vehicles. Among other things, the vehicles of the brands Cadillac, Pontiac, Holden, Chevrolet, Saturn, Opel and Land Rover are equipped with them. They are also used under various gearbox codes on BMW models.
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How the GM 5L40-E and 5L50 work
The GM 5L40-E and 5L50 transmissions are based on a classic automatic transmission equipped with a hydraulic torque converter and planetary gear sets. With the help of special software, they work in several operating modes so that they can be optimally adjusted for different driving conditions. Manual mode can be activated by moving the gearshift to the appropriate position, for example denoted by “M” and then sliding the gearshift to “+” or “-” for a higher or lower gear.
The technical data of the GM 5L40-E and 5L50 gearboxes
| Transmission code | Max. Displacement in liters | Max. Engine torque, N m | Type of drive | Year of manufacture | Models |
| 5L40E (A5S360R) | 3.6 | 360 | Rear wheel drive , all-wheel drive | 1999 | Cadillac CTS; BMW X5 E53; Pontiac Solstice; BMW E39; Cadillac STS; Cadillac SRX; Pontiac G8; BMW E46; BMW X5 E83; BMW Z3 E36 |
| 5L50E (A5S390R) | 4.6 | 450 | Rear Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive | 2000 | Cadillac CTS; Cadillac SRX; BMW X5 E53; Cadillac XLR |
Frequent defects in the GM 5L40-E and 5L50 transmissions
- The oil pump is sensitive to high speeds and quickly jams.< /li>
- The oil is contaminated with wear residue from the converter lock-up.
- Solenoid switches and the lines of the hydraulic system clog if the transmission oil is not changed in time.
- Jerky gear changes can occur due to insufficient oil.
- The friction clutches are activated by the pressure reduction of the Lubricant too hot and damaged.
- The molded rubber pistons will burn out from overheating.