Hello,

I have to go down a (very) steep hill in my R56 pretty often, I believe I've been in second gear (could be third, I don't remember right now), and it gets way too fast for my comfort (not to mention nearing or over the speed limit). The engine usually hits around 5000 RPM before I've been too scared to continue without hitting the clutch, going to neutral and burning the brakes and usually scaring the hell out of my copilot.

With all that said, a couple of questions. How do you navigate this? Also, is using brakes with the car in gear kosher, as long as I know I'm within the RPM range? Should I worry about nearing the redline in this type of case? Finally, do you downshift?

Thanks

 

engine braking is a good thing...but if the speed picks up...just use the brakes to keep the rpms reasonable....(you would actually have to UPSHIFT if the speed picks up, and you near redline)....they are so over-sized in a MINI, I would not worry about them getting too hot.....if I was in classic car with 4 wheel drum's maybe....
Since brakes are easy to change, and comparatively cheap, if I am in doubt, I use them...clutches cost more, and things like engine bearings are a car killer...so if I am running high rpms, I prefer to do it making power, rather than trying to save a few pennies.
So just remember...you can brake with the car in gear...if you hear the car lugging or feel a buck (from going to slow in a gear), just downshift, and then keep braking......just like when slowing down for a redlight!! The reality is, you should NEVER go down a hill in Neutral.
It SOUNDS like you might want to spend a bit of time with a person who has driven a clutched car before....pretty basic in question, glad you asked, but if you are scaring folks.....

 

Perfect answer. Thanks

 

+1 to ZippyNH's answer.

If I am on a steep hill that is overcoming even the engine braking available from keeping it in a lower gear, then use the brakes periodically to keep things under control. I was taught to go ahead and get on the brakes at least moderately hard, get down to the speed you want, then release the brakes. This gives them time to cool until the next jab is needed. Do this as opposed to lightly riding on the brake pedal all the way or using lots of frequent light taps on the brakes.