About to order a new RS4 but what about ceramics ?

[Ricky]

Really really would like the ceramics but have overspent on options already. How many of you guys would put them over things like pano roof, side assist, high connect etc, load area fixing kit, ? I couldn't take the complete 4k off in options but could probably get to half that valve which might allow me to order them.

Can anyone who has actually experienced them tell me.......

1. Is it true they do not have as good a feel as the standard brakes when cold ?
2. Are they noisy when warm or cold ?
3. Do they run dirty ?
4. Are they likely to cost me any money over the next four years as I'm ticking the 5 year warranty box ? Would warranty cover everything that may be needed ? I'm a little scare with the costs involved to replace them etc but I don't do many miles per year and I wouldn't be tracking the car so in theory they should do over 200,000 miles ?
5. Are there any other downsides at all to Audi's ceramics, or indeed anything else I should know before I make my choice ?


6. If I didn't happen to go the ceramic route has anyone ordered the red callipers ? I can't find a good quality close up picture for them ! Anyone point me in the right direction for a good quality photo ?

Cheers guys !

Ricky !

[HYFR]

Side assist is a waste
Pano roof is a waste

Ceramics are the daddy

[Graeme4130]

Side assist is a waste
Pano roof is a waste

Ceramics are the daddy

I like the pano roof on mine. Perfect for days at the track with my 7yr old stood on the seats looking out the open roof onto the circuit with the heating warming me up and the heated seats warming my feet

Didn't bother with side assist personally

[Ricky]

Does anyone have first hand experienced of the ceramics ? Would really love to know would warranty definitely cover any problems over 4 or 5 years so no matter what I wouldn't have any unexpected costs bar at the time of purchase.

Placing my order tonight so if anyone can shed any light on this today for me it would be very much appreciated.

Cheers !

[RSQ]

I have them (and the panoramic roof and side assist and high connect)

1. Is it true they do not have as good a feel as the standard brakes when cold ?
No, they feel great always, never seen a downside and they stop you on the proverbial dime.

2. Are they noisy when warm or cold ?
Not at all, but when I drove the dealers demo car yesterday with normal brakes they squeaked. My ceramics are silent

3. Do they run dirty ?
No they are super clean, my rear wheels get all dirty and my fronts are still clean as a whistle. Is that what you meant?

4. Are they likely to cost me any money over the next four years as I'm ticking the 5 year warranty box ? Would warranty cover everything that may be needed ? I'm a little scare with the costs involved to replace them etc but I don't do many miles per year and I wouldn't be tracking the car so in theory they should do over 200,000 miles ?
No idea, I took the 5-year warranty as it is a no-brainer with the DRC risk etc. I heard the ceramics do 75,000 and I would only expect normals to do 15,000 so you will save money on this (a bit).

5. Are there any other downsides at all to Audi's ceramics, or indeed anything else I should know before I make my choice ?
They look great, they reduce the unsprung weight at the front of the car which IMHO makes it ride better.

I am very happy I chose the ceramics, I ticked most options (aside from a carbon engine bay and buckets) and the only ones which are rubbish are the storage pack, active lane assist, boot liner mat and boot space divider. Yes they are expensive but when you barrel round a corner one day at v-max and find a tractor in the way you will be glad you parted with £4k (yes I know tyres are important too). If you plan to keep the car 4 years I would get every option you think you will need as 4 years is a lot of regret time.

[Ricky]

Wow ! Very informative answer. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your reply ! You have answered my questions perfectly.

Has anyone ever had any warranty issues with ceramics ? Do you guys think they would aid or hinder resale knowing they might need replaced in the future ? Would the 4k be completely lost at the time of resale or would they add a little valve to the car ? And lastly, realistically how many miles would I get out if the ceramics with normal road use ?

Thanks again !

Ricky !

[Nickyboy]

Ceramics saved my life a couple of time I'm sure of it when people have pulled out in front of me on the motorway when I was travelling at high speeds.

They fill the 20s better which looks good and no brake dust.

When I had them though I did worry about potential replacement costs. Remove the toys and add ceramics, it is an RS after all not a toy Shop.

[Timster]

Wow ! Very informative answer. Thank you so much for taking the time to write your reply ! You have answered my questions perfectly.

Has anyone ever had any warranty issues with ceramics ? Do you guys think they would aid or hinder resale knowing they might need replaced in the future ? And lastly, would the 4k be completely lost at the time of resale or would they add a little valve to the car ?

Thanks again !

Ricky !

Definitely order the ceramics. If anything they’ll probably be overkill for the B8 but you’ll have others begging to buy them off you in a few years time.
No, it certainly wont put potential owners off having ceramics. On the contrary IMHO.

[nwk00]

1. Is it true they do not have as good a feel as the standard brakes when cold ?

Not sure because it's been a while since I have driven the demo without ceramics. On mine with ceramics, they feel great. They have good feel, good stopping power, good initial bite ie not too grabby like some cars which over compensate. Stops great cold or warmed up also, of course with reference to road situation/performance only.

2. Are they noisy when warm or cold ?

Haven't had a chance to bring it on track so can't tell when it's hot but on a daily basis mine makes zero noise.

3. Do they run dirty ?

I think slightly cleaner than normal brakes. Mine looks cleaner on the front(ceramic) vs the rear(non ceramic) and fronts area usually dirtier on normal brakes.

4. Are they likely to cost me any money over the next four years as I'm ticking the 5 year warranty box ? Would warranty cover everything that may be needed ? I'm a little scare with the costs involved to replace them etc but I don't do many miles per year and I wouldn't be tracking the car so in theory they should do over 200,000 miles ?

No idea.

5. Are there any other downsides at all to Audi's ceramics, or indeed anything else I should know before I make my choice ?

If you can justify the cost go for it!


Weekeat

[Ricky]

The only thing people don't seen to know the answer to is if they will cost me any money over the four years I intend to keep the car. I have read on the net that they last for a long time with road use. I know it depends on how hard you work them but can anyone give an approx mileage they should last ? Also I'd be very interested to hear from anyone with any experience of warranty claims regarding ceramics ?

[Outtlaw]

The horror stories i've heard that concern me was if they were damaged, the discs that is,
then you would have to shell out to replace them and would probably not be covered by the warranty unless you could prove that it was down to Audi.
I havent ordered them and I'm slightly regretting that, but if you don't track the car? the brakes that are standard are gonna be good enough for everyday use, IMO.
though i keep coming back to the idea, for £4000 thats a bargain for ceramics.
How many miles do you do a year?
Peter

[Ricky]

Maximum 10k Peter !!!!!

[RSQ]

Only thing I ever saw was 75,000 mile life somewhere.

The damage thing is relevant, if you do crack or smash one it will be pricey but I have never heard of anyone doing so (If I do so next week I will be sad now!).

Just buy them (or don't then our cars are more rare and therefore valuable second hand....)

[Outtlaw]

Same as me, now do you save yourself £4000 or spend £4000?
no doubt they would be awesome but the standard ones are good enough… dilemma
just read that back and I think I'm trying to convince myself to get them. LOL

[Outtlaw]

Stone caught in between pad and disc or flying stones!!