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Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:08 pm
by anth8910
I wouldn't say I'm heavy on the brakes so would like people's opinions on whether ceramics are just going to cost me a fortune in extra depreciation. I'm not going to track the car at any point so are they really worth the expense?
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:15 pm
by daytonamart
No
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:24 pm
by Noyjatat
Nope
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 12:45 pm
by anth8910
That's decided that. What about the following:
Privacy glass
Gloss black pack
21" gloss wheels
Dynamic pack
Assistance pack
Panoramic roof
Advanced key
Parking pack
Rear side airbags (kids)
4 year warranty
Red callipers
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 1:10 pm
by classba
IMO Ceramics is a MUST if you're heavy footed and drive like you've stolen it. Listen to those who have them to get the real opinion.
Both my cars have them and it's the 1st on the must list.
Just my 2 pennies worth.
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 1:48 pm
by doodlebug
I have to agree, now I've got them, I use them.
Getting into the Macan, which in isolation also has good brakes, I really have to remember to brake earlier. First time I got in I nearly rear ended the car in front!
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 2:37 pm
by anth8910
That's 2 for and 2 against. Need some more opinions please !!! I'm in limbo

Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 2:38 pm
by anth8910
And I'm assuming that both doodlebug and classba went with the dynamic plus pack?
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 3:03 pm
by Rick_RS4
anth8910 wrote:That's 2 for and 2 against. Need some more opinions please !!! I'm in limbo

Just fit them on the drivers side then, and when you brake it will help steer round roundabouts too
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 3:04 pm
by classba
anth8910 wrote:And I'm assuming that both doodlebug and classba went with the dynamic plus pack?
NO, I have a C6 RS6 9xx PS and a R8 GT both have ceramics. Like I have said.... it's a must IMO for a 2 ton RS6 barge, the confidence in braking from them is just awesome. I always say to people who ask me the same question.... how much do you put a value on your life?. Don't get me wrong, the steels will do the job BUT the Ceramics are 10 folds better.
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 3:15 pm
by anth8910
classba wrote:anth8910 wrote:And I'm assuming that both doodlebug and classba went with the dynamic plus pack?
NO, I have a C6 RS6 9xx PS and a R8 GT both have ceramics. Like I have said.... it's a must IMO for a 2 ton RS6 barge, the confidence in braking from them is just awesome. I always say to people who ask me the same question.... how much do you put a value on your life?. Don't get me wrong, the steels will do the job BUT the Ceramics are 10 folds better.
A fair argument.
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 3:46 pm
by Noyjatat
This is something that has interested me as it's an option I deliberately haven't chosen on my last 2 RS. I did do quite a bit of research on it and for my driving style they weren't really worth it and I do the odd charity track day. I understand they are a great bit of tech with lots of plus' but in doing my research I found that tyres were the key component to shorter braking distances rather then steel or ceramics. I missed Classba ' s monster at the last Box Hill meet as I was away with work but saw the videos. I based my opinion above on how you have said you will drive it.
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 5:43 pm
by classba
Noyjatat wrote:This is something that has interested me as it's an option I deliberately haven't chosen on my last 2 RS. I did do quite a bit of research on it and for my driving style they weren't really worth it and I do the odd charity track day. I understand they are a great bit of tech with lots of plus' but in doing my research I found that tyres were the key component to shorter braking distances rather then steel or ceramics. I missed Classba ' s monster at the last Box Hill meet as I was away with work but saw the videos. I based my opinion above on how you have said you will drive it.
IMO, true to an certain extent... it's all about how you drive BUT the lack of brake fade regardless at what speed or the amount of times you brake constantly makes them IMO worth while to have. Also, they last roughly about 80k miles so bear that in consideration the cost of steel discs replacements for that period. I used to early brake when my RS6 was in stage-2 tune and even then it was bloody scary.... now, I have all the confidence to brake late knowing the car will stop which is priceless. The amount of times I have gotten into a sticky position and the sheer braking power kindof got me out of trouble. To me they are a life saver if you drive on the edge

Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 5:59 pm
by jonicox
classba wrote:To me they are a life saver if you drive on the edge

That's the key bit for me. If you are going to be driving your RS6 like this, on the edge, then by all means think about it, but for me it just wasn't worth it. I wanted to be sure that the brakes would stop me in an extreme braking scenario, not the sort of repeated hard track type scenario and I was pretty sure that Audi wouldn't have put steels on if that wasn't the case. I did have ceramics on my RS4 and whilst I didn't have the car from new, I used it in a different way to the RS6.
All down to how you want to use the car and that is the beauty of these. It can be you 2 ton, life on the edge monster (insert ceramics please) or it can be your 2-ton mega family car that you can hussle the b-roads in nicely thank you very much.
Re: Do I really need ceramics?
Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:54 pm
by anth8910
Anyone know the cost of replacement standard steel discs and pads? Also what lifespan the standards should get (based on fast road driving but nothing too extreme).