RS5 Brake Rotor Options

[OhSoCal]

We all know the non-carbon brake RS5 chews through brakes..mine is no different. I’m starting to feel some vibration from the front brakes under high speed braking at 41k miles.
Aside from the OEM scalloped rotors, what are some other good options for the money? I’ve noticed non-scalloped rotors are much less money, is that even an option? I don’t track and this is a pseudo-daily driver.

Thanks in advance.

[hahnmgh63]

The C5 (2003) RS6 front rotors are a direct swap as well as the early (same as RS6) R8 front rotors. In many respects they are better in that the cooling vanes are directional compared to the non-directional in the RS5. I think they do weight about 1lb more than the scalloped. Rear RS6 are a different offset so they can't be used, not sure about the rear on the earlier R8's. Zimmerman makes a RS6/RS5/R8 front replacement for as low as $250+ that seems to be OEM build and quality as the SHW rotors. Girodisc makes a rotor (better for sure but more money). A few other aftermarket options out there. Remember, anything that fits the front of the C5 RS6 will fit our B8 RS5, just not sure about the rears (same pads but rotor has a different offset than the RS6).

[OhSoCal]

The C5 (2003) RS6 front rotors are a direct swap as well as the early (same as RS6) R8 front rotors. In many respects they are better in that the cooling vanes are directional compared to the non-directional in the RS5. I think they do weight about 1lb more than the scalloped. Rear RS6 are a different offset so they can't be used, not sure about the rear on the earlier R8's. Zimmerman makes a RS6/RS5/R8 front replacement for as low as $250+ that seems to be OEM build and quality as the SHW rotors. Girodisc makes a rotor (better for sure but more money). A few other aftermarket options out there. Remember, anything that fits the front of the C5 RS6 will fit our B8 RS5, just not sure about the rears (same pads but rotor has a different offset than the RS6).

Thanks for the helpful response. I can’t seem to find pricing for Zimmerman rotors for the RS5.
So it’s possible to use non-wave rotors on a wave rotor equipped car?


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[namvar]

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...03281ecs02kt1/

[hahnmgh63]

Yes on the non-wave rotors. In some markets the wave rotors were an option for the RS5. The C5 RS6 has the exact same calipers in the front.

[ICU2]

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...03281ecs02kt1/

+1 & The exact system I put on mine when it was time & couldn’t be happier. Did this based off of “superswiss’s“ recommendation of it being just “Slightly less initial bit but definitely more linear” in its feel. Night & day difference in brake dust accumulating compared to factory. A legit 2 piece system for a “True Float” design, better cooling, available SS brakes lines(which I purchased) & a discount on replacement rotors to the original owner if/when that time arrives. I’m sure it will for me, I’ll keep this car till I can’t drive anymore. In addition to ECS, Griodisc & JHM (a site sponsor & long time supporter of the NA V8 AUDI platform) also has a replacement option(s). IIRC, all 3 offer a 380 size option as well if that’s something U R interested in. All likely better than stock options & not as costly.

[OhSoCal]

+1 & The exact system I put on mine when it was time & couldn’t be happier. Did this based off of “superswiss’s“ recommendation of it being just “Slightly less initial bit but definitely more linear” in its feel. Night & day difference in brake dust accumulating compared to factory. A legit 2 piece system for a “True Float” design, better cooling, available SS brakes lines(which I purchased) & a discount on replacement rotors to the original owner if/when that time arrives. I’m sure it will for me, I’ll keep this car till I can’t drive anymore. In addition to ECS, Griodisc & JHM (a site sponsor & long time supporter of the NA V8 AUDI platform) also has a replacement option(s). IIRC, all 3 offer a 380 size option as well if that’s something U R interested in. All likely better than stock options & not as costly.

Much appreciated. I’ll likely go with the ECS non wave rotors based on your experience and some others.


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[ICU2]

Much appreciated. I’ll likely go with the ECS non wave rotors based on your experience and some others.


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U won’t regret it. BTW, if you are looking for a little more performance out of your RS5, JHM is working on a SC for our RS5’s & they’ve already produced a “Tune” which has received glowing reviews. I’ll be getting mine as soon as the download is just a bit easier, something they are currently working on. Just in case you didn’t know 🤪👍

[OhSoCal]

U won’t regret it. BTW, if you are looking for a little more performance out of your RS5, JHM is working on a SC for our RS5’s & they’ve already produced a “Tune” which has received glowing reviews. I’ll be getting mine as soon as the download is just a bit easier, something they are currently working on. Just in case you didn’t know 🤪

Since it’s my daily, I’m leaving it mostly stock. Just have exhaust to make the screaming V8 sing. My AMG GTS has all the speed mods.

[Ape Factory]

I highly recommend measuring runout on the ECS full floaters to make sure there are no issues with them prior to bolting everything back together. If you're having a shop do it, make sure they take this step.

[OhSoCal]

I highly recommend measuring runout on the ECS full floaters to make sure there are no issues with them prior to bolting everything back together. If you're having a shop do it, make sure they take this step.

Is this a common issue with them?

[Ape Factory]

I don't know about common but I've heard about two complaints recently, one individual went through three sets with no luck. They're full floaters so maybe some of the pins are binding? Not sure...he's a member here and can chime in if he wishes to.

Just always a good idea to measure runout regardless. And clean the hubs really well! I think a lot of people overlook this step and it can make a difference in 10/10ths performance.

Other options include Girodisc full floating two-piece as well as JHM two-piece semi-floating which are probably the best value. They both offer replacement discs to knock down the cost of replacement rotors.