I just keep 10% throttle input when driving down hills and when approaching stoplights, it seems to avoid the aggressive gear-braking you speak of. I agree, they seem to slow awfully quickly when off throttle.

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2002 X5 4.6is - Titanium Silver / Black Alcantara - Dinan Stage 2 - Bilstein/Eibach - Brembo BBK ----SOLD---
1993 318i - Brilliantrot / Tan - bone stock daily driver