What exactly is engine braking?

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06-18-2008, 07:46 PM

#21

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Cojones' post='604203' date='Jun 17 2008, 03:30 AM

I have searched the forum to learn about engine braking. I understand how you can change gear to use the engine to slow the car but what I want to know is how the E60 uses engine braking in everyday driving in D, without any input from me. Does it employ some kind of engine braking when you apply the brake? Could some savvy person give me a brief explanation??

thanks,

Cojo

Hey there,

If you're an F1 fan you may be a little confused with these explanations. On road cars, engine braking is what others have described: the engine's compression being used to slow the vehicle down when you lift off. But F1 drivers misused this term to describe the computer controlled driver's aid system (banned this year) that would apply engine torque to the rear axle to prevent lock up under heavy braking. Road cars wouldn't need such a system since they have hydraulic ABS, which was banned in F1 long ago.

DRP