Back

GM 5L40-E transmission

5L40-E/5L50
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production1998[1]–2009
Body and chassis
Class5-speed longitudinal automatic transmission
Chronology
Predecessor4L30-E
4L60-E/4L65-E
Successor6L 45 · 6L 50

The 5L40-E (and similar 5L50) are a series of automatic transmissions made by General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 5 forward gears and is used in the GM Sigma platform vehicles from Cadillac, the Pontiac Solstice, BMW, and Holden Commodore.

The electronically controlled transmission is designed around a fully articulated Ravigneaux gearset that is controlled by electronically timed application of several range-specific hydraulic clutches, in combination with mechanical one-way sprag clutches. The 5L40E unit's centerpiece is an automatic overdrive which supersedes the French-made 4L30E four-speed automatic light-duty gearboxes, and like them features a torque converter clutch to eliminate slipping losses in select forward ranges. It is assembled in Strasbourg, France.

The 5L40/50 series was replaced in 2007 with the 6L50 six-speed.