DS mode

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by HaroldC

Enigne braking means leaving the car in gear and allowing the friction of the engine to slow the car down. On an automatic, when you release the gas, the torque converter disengages the transmission from the engine and it offers little resistance to the drivetrain. When you engine brake, (like leaving the trans in DS or manual mode) the transmission and the rest of the drivetrain are still connected to the engine and puts a different stress on the motor and cylinders. This stress has been associated with better seating the rings of the cylinders.

The new 6-speed ATs from BMW do not disengage when you let off the throttle. The torque converter remains locked up and the revs hang, and you get a similar engine braking as you would with a manual.

[HaroldC]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

The new 6-speed ATs from BMW do not disengage when you let off the throttle. The torque converter remains locked up and the revs hang, and you get a similar engine braking as you would with a manual.

The revs still drop, but it might be because the transmission is shifting to a higher gear. Huh. I'd like to get the definitive answer to this, so I'll just ask my friend that works at NA.

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by HaroldC

The revs still drop, but it might be because the transmission is shifting to a higher gear. Huh. I'd like to get the definitive answer to this, so I'll just ask my friend that works at NA.

Depends on engine and vehicle speeds. Easy way to check is to look at the fuel consumption, because the OBC records instant fuel consumption as 0 when the converter is locked, while there's minimal (like 4 l/100km) when it's not.

Usually if the revs are below 2500rpm, it won't upshift to the next highest gear. I get this a lot in my parents' 325i. When cruising at around 60km/h, the car does 5th gear at 2100rpm. If I get off the throttle, the rev stays and it does not upshift. Do it at 80 km/h though, and it will upshift quietly to 6th @ 1600rpm.