5L50E Overhaul Kit 2002, new and ready to install. Fits the 5L50E. Ships fast from the USA.
A 2002-or-later 5L50E that slips into gear, flares between shifts or takes a second to grab Reverse is usually worn inside, and fluid changes will not bring it back. This new overhaul kit is listed for 2002-up 5L50E transmissions, the five-speed GM builds in Strasbourg, France, for all-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series xi models and the BMW X5 3.0d, and for the 4.6L Cadillac XLR, SRX and STS. The kit holds a Transtec overhaul gasket and seal set, a complete BorgWarner high-energy friction set, a complete set of steel plates, bushings, and front and rear seals, so the whole unit can be rebuilt in one pass.
The 5L50E gets its five ratios from a Ravigneaux gearset held and driven by nine clutch packs plus one-way sprags, and it is rated for about 311 lb-ft, more than the lighter 5L40E. GM's specification sheet shows how much friction material that takes in a 5L50E: 12 plates each in the low/reverse and second clutches, 10 in the direct clutch, 8 each in the forward, coast and intermediate clutches, and 6 each in the reverse, overdrive and second coast clutches. Each pack is applied by a sealed piston, and the reverse and direct clutches share one housing fed through sealing rings on the pump support. When those rings and piston seals harden, apply pressure leaks off, the clutches slip as they engage, and heat glazes the plates. Replacing frictions, steels, seals and bushings together restores both the clamping surfaces and the pressure that drives them.
Check the fluid level with the engine running at operating temperature, then smell and inspect it. Scan for codes and look at which gear the ratio fault names. A pressure test separates a leaking circuit from worn plates; our line pressure checking guide walks through it, and our gear ratio code diagnosis guide explains what P0730-series codes mean. Valve body wear in this family causes some of the same complaints, so if the fluid is clean and pressure is correct, look at the valve body before a teardown.
This kit is listed for 2002-up 5L50E units. On the Cadillac side, GM used the 5L50E only behind the 4.6L V8; BMW used it in models such as the 2002-2006 325xi and 330xi and the X5 3.0d, where it is called the A5S390R. Many other BMWs of the same era use the lighter 5L40E (A5S360R), so read the identification tag on the left rear of the case above the pan rail before ordering, or send us your year and VIN. For a 2000-2001 unit, use our 2000-2001 5L40E/5L50E overhaul kit. See every part we carry for this unit on the 5L50E parts page.
| Fits | 5L50E 2002 |
| Part type | Overhaul Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Cadillac used the 5L50E only with the 4.6L V8, in the XLR, SRX and STS. BMW used it, as the A5S390R, in models such as the 2002-2006 325xi and 330xi and the X5 3.0d. Many other BMWs use the lighter 5L40E, so check the tag on the case or send us your year and VIN.
A Transtec overhaul gasket and seal set, a complete BorgWarner high-energy friction set, a complete steel plate set, bushings, and front and rear seals. It does not include hard parts such as drums, the pump or a valve body.
If the reverse clutch plates or seals are worn, yes. A cracked direct/reverse housing or a worn reverse lockout valve in the valve body can also cause no Reverse, so inspect the housing during the rebuild and check the valve body if the clutches look healthy.
They are listed as separate year groups for the 5L40E/5L50E family. Match your transmission's year and tag to the kit; for a 2000 or 2001 unit, use our 2000-2001 overhaul kit.
Replace the filter and pan gasket, and inspect the pump support sealing rings, the direct/reverse housing and the bushings. Any drum or housing with cracks or worn ring lands should be replaced, or the new seals will leak.
Yes. The control module has learned shift adapts for the old, worn clutches. Clear or reset the adapts with a capable scan tool where available, then drive through all gears under light and moderate throttle so it relearns.
