I have a 2005 A8L with 49,000 miles and the brake light indicator just appeared. The back brakes were replaced by the dealer 2000 miles ago and the warranty just expired. The dealer said the front brakes were fine when they replaced the back but of course, the light came on just after the warranty expired.

I found TRW pads that are supposed to be OEM and aftermarket EBC Red Ceramic that are supposed to be superior (EBC DP31535C). The TRW pads do not come with the sensors and apparently are sold separately. The dealer was not able to tell me if the OEM pads were Semi-metallic or ceramic.

1) Can anyone advise me which pads to use?
2) If the sensors should be purchased separately and whether they should be replaced each time?
3) If there is anything special about the calipers/pistons such as if they are pressure or threaded to retract for new pads?

I ordered and received EBC Red pads (DP31535C/1) on Thursday but I also received a call from Audi. They wanted to see the vehicle again and offered to replace the rotors and pads if I would pay pay 10% of the total bill. I agreed, so they are ordering the factory parts. I will probably hold on to these aftermarket pads until the next time.

Note: The Service Director told me that the brake pad indicator on the A8 appears when there is still a considerable amount of pad left. He said the vehicle could probably be driven for another 2 months without any problems due to the amount of pad still on the vehicle.