A transmission element for a transmission such as a continuously variable transmission, including an elongate flexible endless carrier element provided with a number of receiving spaces with an opening and with a passage extending through the number of receiving spaces in the longitudinal direction of the carrier element, a number of engaging elements which are each received in a receiving space for movement between an active position and a passive position and which in the active position protrude further inward than in the passive position and at least out of the opening of this receiving space so as to be able to engage in the active position with a pulley of the transmission, and a spring element for providing resistance for each of the number of engaging elements during movement from the active position in the direction of the passive position.