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 planetary 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.
The 5L40-E was designated in either "M82" (rear-wheel drive) or "MX5" (all-wheel drive) versions for service in BMW vehicles from 1999 model year until the design was superseded by (for BMW) the 6L45E and (for all others) the 6L50E series electronic automatic transmissions in 2007 .
Gear ratios: Applications: The 5L50 is engineered to handle the stresses from vehicles weighing up to 5000 lb (2268 kg) GVWR.