How to Choose Brake Pads
for Your Audi (A4 / A5 / Q7)

1. Ceramic vs semi-metallic vs low-metallic

The backing plate and shims look the same, but the friction compound is where brake pads differ:

Type	Noise	Dust	Stop power	Best for
Ceramic	Quiet	Very low	Good daily	City driving, luxury cars, clean wheels
Semi-metallic	Medium	High (black dust)	High	Towing, fleet, heavy use
Low-metallic	Medium-high	Medium	Very high	Performance, track

For a daily-driven Audi A4, A5 or Q7, ceramic pads are the default OE-style choice: low dust keeps the alloy wheels clean, noise is low, and they bed in smoothly. Semi-metallic pads wear faster and produce black brake dust that sticks to wheels.

2. How to decode the OE number D1898-9126

On the aftermarket, brake pads are referenced by several numbering systems. Knowing how to read them avoids ordering the wrong set:

• WVA / Donvex number (D1898-9126) — European standard. D1898 is the series, 9126 is the specific pad shape. Every manufacturer who sells in Europe uses it.
• OE number (8W0698451AN…BJ) — Audi/VW's own part number. The suffix (AN, AP, AQ, N, G, AR, BF, BJ) indicates revision and position. If your car's VIN returns a different suffix, the pad may still be interchangeable — confirm with the supplier.
• Cross-reference (26A1, ZB17) — internal manufacturer codes. Less useful for buyers, but include them when RFQ-ing to avoid confusion.

3. Does it fit my B9 Audi?

The D1898-9126 rear pad set fits the following Audi B9-platform vehicles. Always confirm against your VIN before ordering:

Model	Chassis	Years	Position
A4 / A4L	B9 (8W)	2016+	Rear
A5 / S5	F5	2017+	Rear
Q7	4M	2016+	Rear
A6L	C8	2019+	Rear

If your car has electric parking brake, the rear pads require a caliper retraction tool — factor that into your workshop cost. Front pads on these cars use a different set (D1763-9026 / 8W0698151) — don't mix them up.

4. What to ask your supplier before ordering

• CE / E-mark certificate — required for EU road use. Ask for the certificate number (our Moleduo line: HTT202512349R).
• Shim and wear sensor included? — some sets ship bare; ask whether the anti-rattle shims and wear sensor clip are included.
• CO and batch traceability — for importers, you need a Certificate of Origin and a production batch number on the packing list for customs and warranty.
• MOQ and sample order — reputable suppliers accept sample orders (1 set) so you can check fit and friction quality before bulk buying.

See also: Ceramic Rear Brake Pads — Audi A4/A5/Q7 (D1898-9126) · Terms of Service · Shipping & Returns