5L40E Pressure Control Solenoid 2003, new and ready to install. Fits the 5L40E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your 2003 BMW 325i, 330i, 525i, 530i or X5 3.0i automatic, or another 2003 vehicle with the GM 5L40E five-speed, has started banging into gear, shifting late and firm, or flaring between gears once it is hot, this is the part to test first. It is a new pressure control solenoid for the 2003 model-year 5L40E: a single solenoid with its electrical connector molded into the body and sealing rings on the hydraulic end, as shown in the photo. The 2003 year matters on this transmission, because 2003 was the last year of the original pressure control solenoid design.
The 5L40E uses three identical shift solenoids, which handle the 1-2, 2-3 and 4-5 shifts depending on where they sit, plus this single electronic pressure control solenoid. The transmission controller varies the current to it, and the solenoid turns that current into a signal oil that tells the pressure regulator how much line pressure to build. All five gears come from one Ravigneaux gearset, so each shift is a timed swap from one clutch to another. If the pressure solenoid drifts, the swap goes wrong: too much pressure and the clutches grab, too little and the engine flares before the next clutch holds.
Check fluid level at the fill plug with the fluid at the correct temperature, and look at its condition. Then read codes and measure the solenoid circuit at the case connector with our multimeter solenoid test guide. A plunger can stick while the coil still measures correctly, so the real proof is line pressure; our line pressure guide shows the method. Be careful with ratio codes on this unit. TransGo documents that a worn actuator feed limit valve bore starves the solenoids of feed oil and sets P0731-P0735, so if the solenoid tests good and the codes return, look at the valve body; see our gear ratio code guide.
This listing is for the 2003 model-year 5L40E. Transmission rebuilders note that the 5L40E/5L50E pressure control solenoid stayed the same design from 1999 through 2003 and changed for 2004 and later units, so this part matches the early-style transmissions. In 2003 the 5L40E was used mainly behind BMW inline-sixes; the 2003 325xi and 330xi all-wheel-drive cars use the closely related 5L50E, and most of GM's own Cadillac applications start with the 2004 model year. If your vehicle is a 2004 or later model, look at the 2004-up 5L40E solenoid kit instead. Because production dates do not always follow the model year, compare your old solenoid's connector and body with the photo, or send us your year and VIN and we will confirm the fit.
| Fits | 5L40E 2003 |
| Part type | Pressure Control Solenoid |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Probably not. The 5L40E pressure control solenoid stayed the same from 1999 to 2003 and changed for 2004-up units. For a 2004 or later vehicle, check the 2004-up solenoid kit or send us your VIN.
Those all-wheel-drive cars use the 5L50E, a close relative of the 5L40E. Compare your old solenoid with the photo or send us your VIN and we will confirm before it ships.
P0748 is the pressure control solenoid electrical code. Harsh or flared shifts with no code can also come from this solenoid when the plunger sticks, so confirm with a line pressure test.
Yes. On the 5L40E, a worn actuator feed limit valve bore starves the solenoids of oil and sets ratio codes P0731 to P0735. If the solenoid tests good, inspect the valve body.
Use the fluid listed for your vehicle, since BMW and GM specify their own approved fluids for the 5L40E, and set the level hot at the fill plug.
