Dropping gears to slowdown with steptronic

[cdotger]

Hello all,

Quick Q.... When I used to drive a stick, the school of thought was to not slow down the car by dropping your gear cause it would cause un-necessary wear on the clutch. And it is cheaper to replace brakes than a clutch.... What do you guys do with your steptronics when you are driving in manual mode? I would think it would not harm anything but wanted to get your opinions.

Thanks,

-Carl

 

[RuflessPhilly]

Hello all,

Quick Q.... When I used to drive a stick, the school of thought was to not slow down the car by dropping your gear cause it would cause un-necessary wear on the clutch. And it is cheaper to replace brakes than a clutch.... What do you guys do with your steptronics when you are driving in manual mode? I would think it would not harm anything but wanted to get your opinions.

Thanks,

-Carl

The steptronic is designed in such a way that will not allow you to perform any function taht would damage the tranny. It will not allow yo o downshift until the RPM's are at a safe level. The manual part of the steptronic is still limited.

"I'm Rich Biotch" - Dave Chappelle

 

[MrElussive]

cdotger, downshifting does cause wear to the clutch, but it's unnecessary, and if you do it right, it doesn't really do anything to the clutch. There will always be this manual debate on whether to downshift to save your brakes, or to use your brakes to save your clutch. Either way, there is no better path to take....personally, I downshift all the time because I love it and I like engine braking...it is an added feel of control for me. I won't even have my car when it's time to replace my clutch anyways (takes at least 70,000 miles until you need a new clutch, but it's all depending on the vehicle and your driving style).

As downshifting with the auto, it does not cause any damage or wear on the transmission. The transmission won't let you do any downshifting that will hurt the car, as Rufless Philly said.

 

[codex57]

Yup, the Step is pretty brainless. Just stick it in D and no matter what you do, the computer won't do anything to damage the tranny. Same with the Sport and Manual mode.

 

[Kirby]

Yup, can't hurt it - I've tried just to see what would happen. If you drop from 2nd to 1st at too high of an RPM it just won't shift. It'll downshift when the computer decides the RPMs are acceptable.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

So when you downshift with the step and you can feel it slow the car... You're not creating any wear on the step?

 

[pony_trekker]

Engine braking w automatic by downshifting

is the only thing the "manumatic" is good for. I do it occasionally when there are cops around and I don't want to look guilty by hitting the brake lights.

The manumatic is way too slow for real upshifting. The Steptronic Sport Mode does much better.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I'd say it's good for when its snowy and icey, thats the best way to slow the car, then tap the brakes to bring it to a halt.