You probably have another 5000 miles to go before your front pads are truly "done". The pad warning light goes off pretty early.

And, for a 2021 Macan Base, I don't think anyone makes aftermarket front brake pads for it, you need to buy these from Porsche. The 2021 Macan Base got bigger calipers.

2020 and earlier Base models use the same front (and rear) brake pads as a 2011 thru 2017 Audi Q5 (USA model years).

Many brake pad part number cross-reference tables are not correct for the Base Macan.

 

You probably have another 5000 miles to go before your front pads are truly "done". The pad warning light goes off pretty early.

When getting it replaced, are semi-metallic fine or is it worth the splurge for ceramic?

 

Ceramic will significantly reduce the brake dust on the wheels. But, if you are stuck with Porsche front pads, those are semi-metallic. You can get aftermarket (I suggest Akebono brand) ceramic rear pads for your 2021 Base Macan, but using ceramic rears and semi-metallic fronts will change your front-to-rear brake balance. Probably not a big deal, but it is generally recommended to use the same pad compound front and back.

 

The lights just turned on yesterday and if they do last for a few thousand more miles, I will probably hold out for the mechanic charging $250 in 2 weeks.

 

Are you sure its the fronts triggering the sensors? The rears actually wear faster, how many miles do you have?

Also, can you post a photo of your front calipers? As mentioned, the design changed to a larger 4 piston caliper and there are no aftermarket pads available to my knowledge...I just went through this and did all OEM. I also kept the rotors since the new pads will form to them and as long as you measure and ensure you have enough life left for another set of pads, you dont need to replace rotors withe each pad swap. It depends on your mileage and remaining life though, and also assuming no vibrations or issues with the existing rotors.

 

Gave the VIN and shop was able to order them. I ended up negotiating with Indy down to $290 for front semi-metallic + sensors. Not the best but will do for now until I get ceramics next time.

Currently have 33k miles but we just replaced the rears last month around 31k miles through family friend's shop.

 

i would use EBC red ceramic pads . They will last longer than the semi met pads and will not trash your wheels like semi met will. I put them on my 2018 base a week after i got the car. Have 33000 miles on them and good for another 5000 or so.

 

had over 26000 miles before pads needed, cost about £60 here in the uk plus an hour to fit

 

The price is about inline for what I paid to replace mine this past July. Not terrible but not great. I also did the rotors and that added to the overall cost.

 

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Porsche-parts/Macan/Brake-Pads/?year=2021&m=20&e=975&t=11&b=11&d=16173&v=

I see Akebono ceramics, front and rear. They would produce a lot less brake dust. The link above shows other pad options for your Macan.

 

https://www.fcpeuro.com/Porsche-parts/Macan/Brake-Pads/?year=2021&m=20&e=975&t=11&b=11&d=16173&v=

I see Akebono ceramics, front and rear. They would produce a lot less brake dust. The link above shows other pad options for your Macan.

The front pads are for the smaller, Audi caliper and would not fit the larger caliper found on the 2021, after the switchover.

It's possible that an early build may have the old caliper in some markets but I did a search on AutoTrader and looked at about 75 2021s and they all had the newer, larger caliper. A visual confirmation would be best, which is why I requested a photo to remove any doubt.