5L40E Clutch Drum 2000, used and ready to install. Fits the 5L40E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your BMW with the GM-built 5L40E or 5L50E five-speed slips when you pull it into Drive, flares on the first shifts, or sets gear ratio codes after a rebuild, the forward and coast clutch drum is one of the parts worth checking. This listing is a checked, good used forward/coast clutch drum for 2000 and later units, supplied with its 9.125 inch long input shaft. The reference number for this version is 144554A, and the applications it is listed for are BMW 3 Series (including the 325xi and 330cd), 5 Series, X5 and Z3, plus the Range Rover diesel that used the BMW-sourced gearbox.
The ATSG service manual for the 5L40-E calls this part the input housing assembly. It is the first rotating member behind the torque converter: the turbine (input) shaft is part of the housing, so every bit of engine torque passes through it. Inside it live two separate clutches. The forward clutch uses a molded piston and, in the BMW unit ATSG documents, four friction and four steel single-sided plates with a wave plate and a selective backing plate snap ring. Nested inside it is a smaller coast clutch housing with its own piston and three plates of each type. The coast clutch is what gives you engine braking in the lower manual ranges. Both pistons share one return spring assembly, and each piston has a ball capsule that has to seat and vent properly or the clutch drags or applies late.
The input shaft carries four sealing rings, one solid Teflon ring and three scarf-cut rings, plus an O-ring. Those rings carry oil to the clutch circuits, and the housing also has its own bushing. When the rings, their grooves or the bushing wear, apply oil leaks away before it reaches the pistons.
Start with fluid level and line pressure. The 5L40E only has a line pressure tap, so a reading that is normal in Reverse but drops off in Drive points toward a leak in the forward circuit rather than the pump. Our line pressure guide covers the gauge hookup, and the slipping diagnosis guide helps separate a clutch problem from a solenoid or pressure control problem. Once the unit is apart, air check both pistons, spin the ball capsules, and look for a scored bushing, worn ring lands on the shaft, or cracked spline teeth on the housing.
This drum is listed for 2000 and later 5L40E and 5L50E units with the 9.125 inch long input shaft, as fitted to BMW and the BMW-engined Range Rover. GM car versions (Cadillac CTS, STS and SRX, Pontiac Solstice and others) use their own bell housings and converters, so input shaft length and spline count can differ. Measure your old shaft, count the splines, and compare it to the photo before ordering. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN and we will check it. Other parts for this family are on our 5L50E and 5L40E parts page.
A used drum should go in with fresh frictions, steels and seals, so pair it with a 5L40E overhaul kit for 2000 or a master rebuild kit, and finish with a new filter and pan gasket kit.
| Fits | 5L40E 2000 |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Both names are used for the same part. On the 5L40E the forward and coast clutch housing is built onto the input shaft, so it is often listed as the input drum, the forward drum or the forward/coast drum.
It is sold as the drum and input shaft shown in the photo. Plan on new frictions, steels, piston seals and shaft sealing rings, since those are wear items on any used hard part.
It is listed for BMW and Range Rover applications with the 9.125 inch shaft. GM car versions can use a different shaft length or spline count, so measure your old shaft or send us your VIN before ordering.
The ATSG 5L40-E procedure lists coast clutch travel of 0.030 to 0.060 inch and forward clutch clearance of 0.042 to 0.073 inch, set with the selective apply plate and selective snap ring.
Clear codes and let the control module relearn shift adaptations. Early shifts can feel firm or soft for a few drives until the adaptive values settle.
