MP4.2+6.0

Shouldn't really be big issues in front. You need to undo the caliper from the mounting bracket. The caliper to bracket bolts (or rather pins) are allen head as I recall; a 3/8 socket works fine. Then caliper bracket comes out. Those are pretty high torque, but I can typically still do it with a ½" breaker bar. I recommend replacing at least those two large bolts and the little rotor retainer screw--which comes out with a small Torx wrench/socket. While you are in there, Liquid Wrench both that little screw, as well as the upper arm pinch bolt--that one simply for the future since it can freeze in place.

You don't say how many miles, but by 100K, consider replacing the rubber pieces on which the caliper slides on those pins you will take out. Dealer has them, but Rock Auto sells essentially the same ones as jobber parts fairly inexpensively. Yet one more source of movement and possible vibration/noise you can easily re do. By now essentially 10 years, also consider new front brake lines. I just use stock or Ate type. Replaced mine w/ last brake job at 10 years and about 110K miles, along w/ the other stuff I mention.

TFT

The car has 83,000 miles on it. The previous owner kept immaculate car of it, and because I live in Alaska and am only part time in Arizona it mostly sits in the garage since I've owned it.
When I bought the stop-tech rotors and pads for my A6 it came with all the rubber bushings as well as new bolts(pins). The kit was quite comprehensive.

03_AR_CO

A long breaker bar, and some usual pressure on them should get them lose, I'm getting to be an old man fast, and I can still do it, so that's all it should take. Never had to use a torch or chisel to get the carrier bolts free on any D3. at 2008 should really be no trouble at all.

mishar

This is the best tool for that purpose. Plus good hammer, of course.

Mike141

TFT: Did you go with the stop tech rotors on your S8? I am about to replace my front pads and rotors. Will most likely pick up the EBC reds, undecided on rotors at this point.

TFT

The stop techs worked great on my 2002 Audi A6 4.2
I was just on the Autoanything website and the rotors are on sale with 25% off and the EBC pads are on sale, 20% off.
Even though I don't need them yet I ordered both the rotors and pads.

MP4.2+6.0

Reason for the stop tech rotors? EBC is my typical pad choice too, but dealer/OE rotors are better priced these days relative to the the past or the common perception. S8 and W12 are same fitment. I ordered up last W12 set from audiusaparts.com and good to go. As always, have to watch shipping $ on rotors in any price comparo too; S8/W12 fronts weigh in at a true boat anchor 39 pounds, each.

TFT

The stop techs with the sale price is actually cheaper than the stock rotor price I was quoted from Audi and the shipping is free from autoanything.

I had good luck with them for my A6 4.2 so I thought I would go with them again.

Ceedubbu

I run Stoptech Slotted with their SUV performance pads on my Q7 for two years now and I'm very happy with them. I'm in the process of ordering the Cryo treated drilled stuff for the W12

TFT

If you order the EBC Red Stuff pads they do not come with the hardware that you might want to replace, rubber sleeves, grommets etc.
You can order those kits on line from either Amazon or eBay.
The front set is part no. 117.33031. I found a decent price on Amazon
Here is what the front set looks like:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/CEB-117-33031

The rear set is part no 117.33037. I bought those on ebay

Disc Brake Hardware Kit Rear,Front Centric 117.33037 | eBay

Personally I would replace the clips and grommets, the ones on my A6 were worn and cracked.