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I have searched the forums and didn't find an exact answer to this.

I apologize if this belongs in the VW forum, but I put it here because it also applies to Audi and perhaps other brands as well.

VW now sells the 6 speed DSG transmission in the US. It's in Audi's and VW's as an option. This transmission has the annoying (to me anyway) "feature" of automatically using the engine to brake when you take your foot off the accelerator. That's fine if you really want to slow down, but for hypermiling, it's not good.

This morning, I achieved a 33% increase in MPG by shifting to neutral when appropriate.

Question: Does coasting in neutral with a DSG harm the transmission? Years ago, my mechanic told me NEVER to do this. But that was a long time ago when transmissions were different.

Anyone know the real answer for DSG's?

I believe it should be fine as from my understanding the DSG is a manual transmission that it electronically controlled. I believe the reason that the TDI with a DSG uses engine breaking is to help heat the DPF (Diesel Particle Filter) for regen so that it will be less likely for it to run its automatic regen cycle. (At least that is what I was told by a friend who sells them)

Is it flat-towable? If so, its safe. If not, don't do it.

Being flat-towable only applies if the engine will be off. I don't think the DSG likes moving with the engine off in neutral, but if you keep the engine on and switch between N and D, there shouldn't be a problem with the DSG.

I wouldn't describe engine braking with an automatic as a "feature", ie: it's not something tacked on, it's more the nature of automatic transmissions. I think the engineers do a pretty good juggling act, balancing free-rolling vs a bit of engine braking. And if you do want free-rolling, pushing it into neutral should be ok.

As long as the engine is running you will be ok. The gearbox has a double clutch set up for quicker shifts and it preselects the gear it thinks you need next.
Moral of this is to buy a stick shift in the first place and save some cash up front.

Neddy