Engine/compression braking.....good or bad?

[SIIK2NR]

I`ll reserve my thoughts on the subject as I want to hear the experienced drivers opinions on this subject specifically with BMW`s.

Please state your reasons for why you think engine braking is good or bad.

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

I`ll reserve my thoughts on the subject as I want to hear the experienced drivers opinions on this subject specifically with BMW`s.

Please state your reasons for why you think engine braking is good or bad.

If you're talking about lifting the throttle and allowing the engine to slow the car down, it's fine.

If you're talking about engaging the clutch on a down-shift without rev matching so you get a "tug" from the driveline as the pedal comes up, it's not a good idea. It puts unnecessary load on the driveline components and if done hard enough can lead to damage.

[LiM3y]

As a driving instructor once said...replacing brake pads is cheaper than replacing a clutch...

[SIIK2NR]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

As a driving instructor once said...replacing brake pads is cheaper than replacing a clutch...

Never heard that one... I always heard it was cheaper to replace the brakes than it was to replace the transmission.

I`m talking about rev matching, downshifting and lifting the clutch while using the engine to slow the car in combination with the brakes either to slow down completely or before entering a turn.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

Never heard that one... I always heard it was cheaper to replace the brakes than it was to replace the transmission.

I`m talking about rev matching, downshifting and lifting the clutch while using the engine to slow the car in combination with the brakes either to slow down completely or before entering a turn.

Gotcha...

[GewoW]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

Never heard that one... I always heard it was cheaper to replace the brakes than it was to replace the transmission.

I`m talking about rev matching, downshifting and lifting the clutch while using the engine to slow the car in combination with the brakes either to slow down completely or before entering a turn.

I guess that's the whole reason that you never really see automatics being raced as they have the stupid torque converter that doesn't allow you to use engine braking. Braking without engine braking takes quite a bit more effort, especially on lower gears.

IDK this is my opinion but I'm sure that's it's OK.

[Gearhead999s]

Engine braking is one of the tools in your arsonal as it is used to help rotate the car on corner entry.If it does not help you.You are going too slow!

[von_zoom]

Engine braking is one of the tools in your arsonal as it it used to help rotate the car on corner entry.

Exactly. Get all of your corner "pre entry" activity sorted out prior to trun in, and preferably in a straight line. Properly down shifting with MT should have no ill effect on clutch, transmission, or engine. If you cannot heel toe, or coordinate throttle, clutch, and transmission and brake to obtain smoothness, practice until you can. After turn in, you need the lower gear to accelerate and assist in completing the change of direction.

DCT transmissions - downshifting is what its all about
vz

[SIIK2NR]

Majority of people are saying that it`s ok and part of the equation in preparing for the turn... this is what I believe also.

However, on other forums the swear up and down that engine breaking is a no no.

I rev-match and heel-toe and prior to turn use enging braking in combination with the brakes. Depending on speed I won`t use the brakes at all and just rev match.

[Dartanium]

if engine braking is not allowed, then i don't know how to break in a new car...

[SIIK2NR]

Has anyone heard of a tranny being destroyed from engine breaking?

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

Has anyone heard of a tranny being destroyed from engine breaking?

A long time ago when I had British Fords one suffered from a crankshaft failure which caused an input shaft failure of the transmission.So yes when the engine was breaking it did cause a transmission failure.

No I have never heard of a transmission failure under braking

[SIIK2NR]

So then why is there so much hate/confusion on the subject? When I was taught how to drive a manual car 22 years ago, I was taught to engine brake with the brakes. Lotus owners swear against it. ??

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by SIIK2NR

So then why is there so much hate/confusion on the subject? When I was taught how to drive a manual car 22 years ago, I was taught to engine brake with the brakes. Lotus owners swear against it. ??

Maybe because their transmissions are crap!