If using cruise control in hilly county, does the cruise control apply rear brakes as well as downshift when going down long grades? I am particulary interested in the '08 xB. Our new BMW seems to only apply rear brakes when using the cruise control. Hate that.

 

Only uses throttle to control speed, engine braking only

 

The ecm minimizes fuel delivery to the engine when traveling down steep hills........giving only enough gas to keep the engine running..........thus getting better gas mileage than you would if you put the transmission in neutral and just "coasted" down the hill.

 

please keep in mind that putting your vehicle in neutral with the cruise control on will cause the engine to rev (possibly very high). (not recommended)