[nkcavs23]

So this is the first car where I have noticed very easily that the car downshifts while braking. Is this normal? 2014 xDrive35i

[Mingstar88]

that's normal

[Tjalle]

Yes, it will also do that if in "manual" - to avoid people embarass themselves with trying to accelerate at low speed with too high gear- though you have to manually upshift.

For good and bad - it will also meet with throttle when you manually downshift.

All in all - to my mind - it is a clever bit of German (ZF) engineering

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by nkcavs23

So this is the first car where I have noticed very easily that the car downshifts while braking. Is this normal? 2014 xDrive35i

You are not the first new BMW owner that has notice that, it is simply the way BMW program their transmissions.

[nkcavs23]

Good to hear that this is completely normal. Thanks guys!

[Lotus99]

Originally Posted by nkcavs23

So this is the first car where I have noticed very easily that the car downshifts while braking. Is this normal? 2014 xDrive35i

You are complaining about this? Guess you've never driven a manual. It's just replicating proper gear shifting

[nkcavs23]

Originally Posted by Lotus99

You are complaining about this? Guess you've never driven a manual. It's just replicating proper gear shifting

Actually I have had multiple cars that were manual trans... I wasn't complaining I was simply asking if it was normal behavior as it is not that noticable in other cars. Btw if you actually downshift every single gear when you brake instead of just throwing it into neutral then I highly suggest you reconsider the way you drive.

[Lotus99]

Originally Posted by nkcavs23

Actually I have had multiple cars that were manual trans... I wasn't complaining I was simply asking if it was normal behavior as it is not that noticable in other cars. Btw if you actually downshift every single gear when you brake instead of just throwing it into neutral then I highly suggest you reconsider the way you drive.

That's probably because they have had junky transmissions. My 2009 Volvo XC70 with the 300 HP T6 engine even was one candidate.

I've been driving Manual all my life and have attended plenty of track days with my cars and instructors, so I'm fine with how I downshift, thanks. When slowing down from 4th, I don't downshift every single gear, but don't go straight from 4th to neutral either. If you have to accelerate, you should be in gear for safety reasons. Same as riding a motorcycle. I'm pretty sure it was even a requirement when I did my road test (the car).

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by nkcavs23

So this is the first car where I have noticed very easily that the car downshifts while braking. Is this normal? 2014 xDrive35i

According to how you brake, you can instigate single or double down-shifts for added engine braking. Give the correct brake 'tap' and you'll get an additional down-shift, if you want it. It is a good feature for hilly terrain driving.

HighlandPete

[Tjalle]

My problem is that I, normally, utilize engine braking to avoid using brakes.
With the programming used in my 8-speed in manual mode, it will meet with throttle at each downshift and, hence, reduce engine braking. I have had to relearn

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Tjalle

My problem is that I, normally, utilize engine braking to avoid using brakes.
With the programming used in my 8-speed in manual mode, it will meet with throttle at each downshift and, hence, reduce engine braking. I have had to relearn

I find it is best to do it more aggressively. By that I mean keep dropping a gear until you see on the tachometer and hear the engine RPM increase.

[mindanalyzer]

Originally Posted by nkcavs23

So this is the first car where I have noticed very easily that the car downshifts while braking. Is this normal? 2014 xDrive35i

This is nothing as compared to the 2nd gen Acura RDX
I find the ride of the X3 very sporty but still smooth; in the Acura it feels as if you are riding a wild horse, in city stop/go traffic the ride is extremely jerky. The X3 comfort mode is able to tame the wild beast.