Reviews of Bosch brake pads

I replaced front pads and rotors on my Tiguan, and afterwards, when going between D <-> R and applying the brakes, the first brake application causes a "clack" on both sides at the front. Pads are Bosch 1633A. spring clips (integral to pads) are seated properly. Pads and rotors were bedded properly. Wheel lug bolts torqued properly. I have the official instructions from VW. I've probably done ~20 brake jobs in my life, mostly Volvos (over half of those were sliding-caliper designs like the Tiguan's). What I tried (with no success): searching and searching and searching forums, only found 2 other people with a similar issue on FCP's Brake Replacement YouTube video measured and compared all latereral dimensions of the pad's plate between new and old, same dimensions re-installed the pads all bolts are torqued properly (caliper carrier 200 Nm; caliper pin bolts 35 Nm) found a Tech Bulletin from VW that mentions there are inner- and outer-specific orientation for the pads. This appears to apply only to the Genuine (labeled TRW) pads, as all 3 Bosch pads are identical in every way that I can discern bought a set of Genuine VW pads (labeled VW), ensured the correct orientation of pads according to the Tech Bulletin, and they still clack. pad backing plate dimensions are the same as the Bosch. Ack! More money! bought a set of genuine caliper carriers (with the thinking that perhaps when I wire-wheeled the old caliper carriers to remove rust, it took off too much material). I didn't install them because I measured all the dimensions that interface with the pads and the new are identical to the old.

I'm very happy with Bosch QuietCast pads and rotors.

I went aftermarket with centric posi-quiet pads or Bosch quiet cast. Won’t ever go back to factory.

I did Bosch quiet cast pads and rotors on the front on my 12 a couple months back. I’m happy with them.

I ordered Bosch brake pads after installing them. I noticed a knocking sound and if you look in the pic there’s a gap at the top and bottom of the ears on the pad. I threw my old pads away so I couldn’t even compare them. Only when driving really slow then braking or in reverse. Didn’t do it every time but the noise is driving me crazy. I also installed new rotors front and back and it’s only the front driver side making that noise.

Just a word of caution, I ordered Bosch pads off of RockAuto and received off brand pads wrapped in shop towels in Bosch boxes. Still put them on and they're alright, but not what I bought. Wasn't worth it to me to send back. Not RockAuto's fault, they have third party suppliers. I'm sure they would have taken care of it had I cared enough

Brembo, bosh and a few others mentioned in another comment are all really good too.

I got the Bosche pads. I think they were in a higher category than daily but the front+back together ended up being cheaper then other brands I was looking at. Just make sure you get ones clearly labeled front or back, and Japan built.

I got BREMBO rotors and Bosch quiet cast pads, happy with the purchase.

I was very happy with Bosch BP621 brake pads. It had excellent grip.