S8 v10

[1781cc]

Cost of replacement and squealing noises were the two main factors putting me off, I understand you can switch to steel if you want to from ceramics, but don't you have to also change the master cylinder and a few other gibbins?

In any case, if ceramics aren't a concern for someone then fair play, go for it, personally I wanted to be able to change my own brakes and not break the bank in doing so, with 3 cars to run it seemed more prudent then ceramics for my own personal circumstance.

There are pros and cons to all specs based on opinions, some thing the B&O is overpriced and Bose is adequate (which it was in my S4) but personally I think its worth the difference, whereas the brakes weren't worth the difference to me.

[Greg66]

Squealing when cold, £2.5K per corner to replace, switching to steels means pads, discs, master cylinder and some other stuff.

And it's not as if the standard steel brakes have a shortcoming...

[Delboy]

Originally Posted by Greg66

Squealing when cold, £2.5K per corner to replace, switching to steels means pads, discs, master cylinder and some other stuff.

And it's not as if the standard steel brakes have a shortcoming...

Not according to my research, ABS unit needs coding, calliper, disc, dustsheild and hoses are whats different.

Master cylinder is same for all A8's, S8's & R8's

Audi even have a retrofit kit for ceramics, although you would need deep pockets.

Each to their own, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another car with ceramics.

[Lee S]

I'd love ceramics.. especially the massive RS6 ones. Gorgeous to look at and stop you on a sixpence...

[Conquistador]

I was personally looking for an S8 without ceramics purely because of cost factor if anything needed an overhaul but I must admit I didn't fully research the cost of replacement pads etc. so if I could buy my S8 again and it had ceramic brakes, I probably still would. They do look very cool and the squealing wouldn't bother me one bit.

I've done a couple of track days in a new 911 Turbo with ceramics and the performance of them is amazing - caning it around Porsche's handling circuit at Silverstone I almost expected brake fade and was ready to compensate for it when I braked for a corner but there was nothing.

[roberto]

i had ceramics on my black S8 they were simply stunning

i would be more than happy to have them on any car again

and never heard a squeal ever

[kele]

They do squeal when cold and in reverse. More of a squeak than a squeal. But never in forward direction or on all but the very coldest days. Just as easy to work on, replace pads etc as steel. Yes, they cost more but they last longer ( so cost is somewhat compensated ).

Having had both, I would not seek out ( nor avoid ) one or the other