I have a 1999 Bonneville SE that I've owned since 2003, last year transmission went out and the subframe is shot and so is the passenger frame mount for subframe also. Car has been sitting in garage now for a year since I hate to get rid of it, but determined it is basically unfixable, or at least not worth it as I couldn't find anyone to do the frame/subframe work, so that the tranny could be repaired/replaced. Never realized the transmissions failed in them so often until I researched it last year after mine went, until then it never let me down.
Considering a GXP, I see they also use 4T65E tranny, so do they also fail prematurely or did they improve for the '00-'05 generation? What about the front subframe on these years, is that also a known problem area like on my '99? I don't want to get into the same problems with another Bonneville but I love these cars. Had a 1973 that was given to me in the late 80s, 4 door hardtop, huge tank! Then a 1992 that someone hit me in and totaled it, then this '99 that looks basically new on the outside, only 145K, garaged kept, but the subframe/frame mount and the tranny are shot.
Any other GXP issues I should look for? What about just the regular '00-'05 models, did they improve over the '99 with tranny and subframes?
Does GXP have same Transmission and Subframe problems as 99?
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1999BonnevilleSE
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Re: Does GXP have same Transmission and Subframe problems as
I thought the GXP had a 4t80.

WHITE WHINE - 1992 SSE Supercharged 236.26 ci (.040 Over) 15.090 at 90.2 MPH on old engine w/ slipping trans & melted O2 sensor - Gen 3 M62 and matching TB, Gen 2 Pully, Zillamotorsports Ported LIM, YT 1.72 Roller Rockers, SII FPR & Injectors, Hypertech Thermomaster chip w/ 160 Thermo, TransGo Shift Kit, Infinity/Pioneer Speakers & a 10" Alpine Type R Sub, all the watts, 140 amp Alternator, Ricepipe CAI w/ heatshield, Pilot Angel Eye Foglights, Clear Corners, '02 17" Chrome Bent 5's, Magnaflow F-Body Muffler and Hi-flo Cat, Ceramic Coated Ported Exhaust Manifolds, Fan Override, Monroe Reflex struts, red calipers
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1999BonnevilleSE
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Re: Does GXP have same Transmission and Subframe problems as
Ok, if that is the case, does it suffer from the same failure issues as the 4T65E? The forward apply band broke in mine, which is very common problem after researching it. Still want to know if the subframe design is the same or if they improved/changed it for the '00-'05 models, including the GXP? Also, any other GXP common problems to be aware of before buying.
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Re: Does GXP have same Transmission and Subframe problems as
It does. Anything V6 has the 4T65E, the N* has the 4T80E.
The 4T80E is much more stout than the 65E. However it does have shift solenoid issues much like any other GM trans.
The 4T80E is much more stout than the 65E. However it does have shift solenoid issues much like any other GM trans.

Retired Bonneville Owner and former GM Tech:
2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP: Black/Ebony *SOLD*
Summer Toys: Combined 827 RWHP / 877lb/ft RWTQ
2004 Pontiac GTO: Impulse Blue Metallic/Black/M6: lots 'o mods, 415 RWHP / 405lb/ft RWTQ!
2006 Cadillac STS-V: Light Platinum Metallic/Light Gray/A6 - Spectre CAI, Magnaflow exhaust, Speed Inc. tune, 412 RWHP / 472lb/ft RWTQ
Daily Drivers:
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