Repeat with selector in D. The engine will rev more sluggishly - suggesting drag from the slightly engaged clutch.

if ithat's on a 6 speed, it could be a "torque converter" type effect perhaps, as the clutch runs in oil.

i wonder if the dry 7 speed is the same?

Edited 27 July, 201015 yr by redlemon

Mine's a seven speed.

(As clutch comes before the gearbox wouldn't the drag be the same for D & N if the clutch were fully disengaged?)

Mine's a seven speed.

(As clutch comes before the gearbox wouldn't the drag be the same for D & N if the clutch were fully disengaged?)

any drag in the clutch would only be noticeable if it was in D. in N it would just spin the input shaft, i would have thought.

my musing was to do with whether the clutch always drags, as it's in an oil bath. seems not.

What fluid???!!

My DSG gearbox has a wet clutch.

Mannyo is right and I'm wrong. I've devised a simple test which seems to prove that the clutch is slightly engaged even when the footbrake is firmly pressed. Here's the test: place your LEFT foot very firmly on the footbrake; select N; barely blip the throttle with your right foot; the engine will rev freely. Repeat with selector in D. The engine will rev more sluggishly - suggesting drag from the slightly engaged clutch.

Could be that the throttle is mapped differently for D than N, to allow for clutch engagement.

Maybe.