Brake pads Akebono or Zimmermann

I highly recommend akebono euro brake pads, especially on DSG cars to remove the grabbiness at low speed. Great cheap upgrade for new car.

I ran Akebono pads on my ZHP coupe and they were great. Slightly less initial bite than stock, requiring a slightly firmer foot on the pedal, and also need to warm up a bit for full grip - but beyond that, clean as a whistle and they wear forever.

Centric rotors are typically good quality. A few years back I started using Akebono pads (after trying brands such as EBC & Hawk). I don’t think I’ll ever buy anything other than Akebono pads anymore, they stop amazingly well and have less dust than previously mentioned pads.

I had an issue with the inner pads sticking on my Golf (same as A3 platform), but when I took apart the caliper and cleaned/regreased all the caliper pins the problem went away. If you've already done that, I really have no idea what it could be. It's definitely not normal though. What pads/rotors are you using? I've been using the Akebono's and they are great. Very little wear and dust.

I run them on my 03 325xi. So much better on break dust. They don't have as much bite as the OEM pads, but I think they're super close.

I run them, they’re amazing to me. Good stopping power, no dust.

I love the way Akebonos keep my wheels clean

I have used and like akebono pads.

Yea, I imagine it was a chore. Also forgot to mention, I run Akebono euro ceramics right now and love them because of no dust, but they definitely don't have the bite of an OEM pad, but i'll likely go with another ceramic pad to keep dust down.

My stock rear brakes never made any noise. Recently replaced rotors and pads - went with Akebono Euro Ceramic - and now have the same "clunk" you describe. Usually only first thing in the morning when I back out of my driveway and then roll forward and brake.