How Much Are Rotors for an Audi A4?

Brake rotors for an Audi A4 typically cost about $70–$220 per rotor for quality aftermarket parts, and $180–$400 per rotor for genuine Audi/OEM parts, with full parts-and-labor replacement usually running between $450 and $1,200 for all four corners, depending on model year, trim, and where you service the car. These ranges reflect recent U.S. market pricing and give a realistic expectation of what Audi A4 owners are likely to pay in 2024.

What Determines the Cost of Audi A4 Brake Rotors?

The question of “how much are rotors for an Audi A4?” is more complex than a single number because prices vary by model year, engine, rotor design, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts. Understanding these factors helps explain why two A4 owners might pay very different amounts for what seems like the same job.

Model Year and Trim Level

The generation of your Audi A4 and its specific trim strongly influence rotor pricing. Newer models (particularly B9 and B10 when it launches) often have larger, more advanced braking systems than older A4s, raising both part and labor costs.

The following list summarizes how model year and trim affect average rotor pricing:

• B7 A4 (approx. 2005–2008): Typically the least expensive; smaller, simpler rotors with wide aftermarket availability.
• B8 A4 (approx. 2009–2016): Mid-range pricing; more rotor size and option variations (standard vs. sport packages).
• B9 A4 (approx. 2017–present): Higher rotor costs; larger brakes, more precise tolerances, and pricier OEM components.
• Performance/sport packages: Larger diameter rotors and sometimes different front/rear configurations, which can cost significantly more than base trims.

In practice, this means that owners of older A4s can often source rotors cheaply, while those with newer or sport-package cars should budget extra for larger and more specialized components.

Front vs. Rear Rotors

On most Audi A4s, front brake rotors are larger and more expensive than rear rotors, and they do more of the braking work.

The points below explain typical price differences by axle:

• Front rotors: Commonly in the range of about $90–$220 each aftermarket; $200–$400 each for OEM, depending on generation and rotor type.
• Rear rotors: Usually smaller and slightly cheaper, roughly $70–$180 each aftermarket; $160–$320 each OEM.
• Wear rates: Front rotors and pads tend to wear out faster, so you’ll likely replace fronts more often than rears over the life of the car.

Because of this front-heavy braking bias, many A4 owners see their first major brake bill when front rotors and pads need replacement, with rear components following after some additional mileage.

OEM vs. Aftermarket Rotor Pricing

One of the biggest decisions affecting price is whether you choose genuine Audi/OEM rotors or third-party aftermarket parts. Both have pros and cons in terms of cost, performance, and warranty coverage.

The following list outlines typical cost and feature differences:

• OEM (genuine Audi or OEM supplier):
  

  • Approx. $180–$400 per rotor for many recent A4 models, especially at dealership parts counters.
  • Designed to match factory performance, noise, and durability characteristics.
  • Preferred if the vehicle is under warranty and you want to avoid any disputes over non-OEM parts.

• Mid-grade aftermarket:
  

  • Typically $80–$180 per rotor for an A4, widely available from reputable brands (e.g., Brembo, Zimmerman, ATE, Bosch, Centric premium lines).
  • Often equal or very close to OEM performance at a lower cost.
  • Good balance of price, quality, and longevity for daily drivers.

• Budget aftermarket:
  

  • Sometimes as low as $50–$90 per rotor.
  • May have shorter lifespan, more noise, or higher risk of warping under heavy use.
  • More appropriate if you’re selling the car soon or need a temporary fix.

• Performance aftermarket (slotted / drilled, high-carbon, track-oriented):
  

  • Commonly $150–$300 per rotor and up, especially for name-brand kits.
  • Improved heat management and potentially better fade resistance.
  • Overkill for most street-only drivers but useful for spirited driving or track days.

For most Audi A4 owners, mid-grade aftermarket rotors from recognized European or global brands offer a good compromise: reliably close to OEM quality at a noticeably lower price.

Types of Rotors: Solid, Vented, Drilled, and Slotted

Even within the same model year, A4 rotors can differ in design. While the car’s brake system dictates what is compatible, the type of rotor you choose still affects cost.

The list below details common rotor designs and their pricing implications for an Audi A4:

• Vented rotors (most front rotors):
  

  • Standard on modern A4 front axles and some rear setups.
  • Mid-range in cost; default choice for most daily driving.

• Solid rotors (often rear on older/lower-spec cars):
  

  • Cheaper, simpler design, less effective at heat dissipation.
  • Typically the least expensive rotor option where applicable.

• Drilled rotors:
  

  • Priced higher than plain vented rotors.
  • Marketed for better cooling and water evacuation, but can be more prone to cracking in extreme use if quality is poor.

• Slotted rotors:
  

  • Generally more expensive; aimed at performance or heavy-use applications.
  • Help maintain pad surface cleanliness and gas venting under hard braking.

While performance rotors can offer benefits for aggressive driving, most Audi A4 owners commuting or doing standard highway driving will be well served by quality vented, plain-face rotors matched to OEM specifications.

Typical Price Ranges by Scenario

To make the numbers more concrete, it helps to look at realistic price brackets Audi A4 owners are likely to see in 2024, from DIY to dealer service.

Parts-Only Costs (Owner or Independent Shop Purchase)

For those pricing just the rotors, without installation, current online and local parts-store listings provide a clear pattern for most A4 models.

The following list shows approximate 2024 U.S. market ranges for rotors, per axle and part tier:

• Front axle – pair of rotors:
  

  • Budget aftermarket: about $120–$200 for the pair.
  • Mid-grade aftermarket: roughly $180–$320 for the pair.
  • OEM/genuine Audi: commonly $360–$700 for the pair, depending on model year and rotor size.

• Rear axle – pair of rotors:
  

  • Budget aftermarket: about $100–$180 for the pair.
  • Mid-grade aftermarket: roughly $160–$280 for the pair.
  • OEM/genuine Audi: often $320–$600 for the pair.

• Full car set (all four rotors):
  

  • Budget aftermarket: typically $220–$350 for four rotors.
  • Mid-grade aftermarket: around $340–$550 for four rotors.
  • OEM/genuine Audi: often $700–$1,300 for four rotors, especially on newer B9 models.

These part-only estimates assume you are buying from mainstream online retailers or local parts chains; specialty tuners or performance brands can push the total even higher.

Installed Cost at a Dealership vs. Independent Shop

Labor rates and markup on parts significantly change the final bill for rotor replacement. Audi dealers tend to charge more than independent shops, while DIY work limits your outlay to parts (and possibly some tools).

The following list outlines typical 2024 U.S. installed price ranges for an Audi A4, including rotors and pads because they are usually replaced together:

• At an Audi dealership:
  

  • Front rotors and pads: about $450–$900 total, depending on model year and rotor spec.
  • Rear rotors and pads: about $400–$800 total.
  • All four rotors and pads: often in the $900–$1,800 range, with high-end cases exceeding $2,000 on some performance variants.

• At a European-specialist independent shop:
  

  • Front rotors and pads: roughly $350–$750 total.
  • Rear rotors and pads: roughly $300–$650 total.
  • All four corners: commonly $700–$1,400, depending on parts choice and local labor rates.

• DIY (home installation):
  

  • Parts cost as above, typically $220–$550 for four aftermarket rotors.
  • Additional expense if you need tools such as a torque wrench, jack stands, and electronic parking brake reset tools for newer A4s.

While dealer service is the most expensive route, it can provide factory backing and loaner vehicles; independent shops often strike a better balance of cost and expertise for out-of-warranty cars.

How Often Do Audi A4 Rotors Need Replacing?

Frequency of rotor replacement affects how much you’ll spend over the life of your Audi A4. Driving style, environment, and maintenance habits all play a role.

Typical Rotor Lifespan

There is no exact mileage at which rotors must be replaced, but patterns are fairly consistent for most owners in normal mixed driving.

The following list outlines common rotor lifespan ranges on an A4:

• Average use: Approximately 40,000–70,000 miles before rotors reach minimum thickness or develop noticeable issues.
• Heavy city driving or aggressive braking: Rotors may need replacement closer to 30,000–40,000 miles.
• Mostly highway, gentle driving: It’s possible to see beyond 70,000 miles on rotors, though pads will typically be changed earlier.
• Performance use (track days, mountain driving): Accelerated wear and heat stress can shorten rotor life significantly.

Ultimately, technicians rely on measured thickness, visible damage, and braking performance rather than a fixed mileage to decide when rotors should be replaced.

Signs Your A4 Rotors May Need Replacement

Recognizing symptoms of worn or damaged rotors can help you budget ahead of time and avoid sudden, expensive repair surprises.

The list below summarizes common warning signs:

• Steering wheel or pedal vibration when braking: Can indicate rotor thickness variation or warped rotors.
• Visible deep grooves or scoring: Surface damage that often means rotors are near the end of their usable life.
• Blue or heavily discolored rotor surfaces: Evidence of overheating, which can reduce braking performance.
• Increased stopping distances or inconsistent pedal feel: May point to rotor and pad issues requiring inspection.
• Rotor thickness below minimum spec: Measured by a mechanic; once below spec, rotors must be replaced, not resurfaced.

Addressing these symptoms promptly can help protect other braking components and maintain the safety and performance Audi designed into the A4.

How to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Specific Audi A4

Because rotor prices depend on precise vehicle details, the best way to know what you’ll pay is to use your car’s exact information rather than relying solely on general ranges.

Information You Need Before Pricing Rotors

Gathering a few key details about your Audi A4 will help parts stores and shops give you accurate, model-specific numbers.

The following list shows what to have ready:

• Model year: For example, 2014 A4 vs. 2021 A4 can mean different rotor sizes and part numbers.
• Trim and engine: Such as 2.0 TFSI, quattro, S line, etc., which influence rotor dimensions and braking packages.
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): Often the most reliable way for dealers and parts sites to match the correct rotors.
• Current mileage and driving style: Useful context if you’re asking a shop whether replacement is due or can be postponed.
• Preference for OEM vs. aftermarket: Clarifying this up front helps you avoid surprises on the estimate.

With this information, a dealership, independent shop, or online retailer can give you a firm price for rotors and, if needed, a complete brake job estimate.

Summary

For an Audi A4, brake rotors typically cost about $70–$220 each for quality aftermarket options and around $180–$400 each for genuine Audi/OEM parts, with a full set of rotors and installation often running between $450 and $1,200 or more depending on where the work is done and which parts you select. Front rotors are usually more expensive than rears, newer B9 models and sport packages command higher prices, and dealership service carries a premium over independent shops and DIY repairs. By knowing your exact model details and deciding in advance between OEM and aftermarket, you can obtain precise quotes and budget confidently for this critical safety maintenance on your A4.