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456M Shock absorbers

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by KeithS, Aug 22, 2023.

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  1. KeithS

    KeithS Karting
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    #1 KeithS, Aug 22, 2023
    My car is 1999 456M GT, 6 speed. I have owned the car since 2009 and have 80,000 miles. There is much to enjoy about this car but I am tired of the rear adjustable shock absorber system and rather constant repairs. My thought is to remove the adjustable system and plumbing. Replace the shocks with 550 shocks but use the 456 springs. Has anyone done anything similar? Any comments or questions?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Auraraptor

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    #2 Auraraptor, Aug 22, 2023
    I have heard whispers of people doing just that but never confirmed. You would also likely need to replace the shock ECU with one from a 550 but (in theory) it should work. I would love to see how it works out all said and done.

    I hear you about the rear shocks....I have records on my 456m going back to the early 2000s and the rear shocks have been replaced or rebuild numerous times.
     
  3. pchop

    pchop F1 Rookie
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    #3 pchop, Aug 22, 2023
    It's not as simple as replacing it with 550 shocks. There are several parts that need to be changed.

    Here's a thread of someone who repaired the rear accumulators:
    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/456-suspension-fix-what-a-difference.344520/

    FYI, BMW Accumulators are no longer available at a reasonable price AND Delta Vee who can rebuilt these are no longer responding to requests.

    Also @Aerosurfer is working on a project for the rear shocks. Perhaps he can chime in on the progress.
     
  4. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
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    #4 Auraraptor, Aug 22, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2023
    Yes there is a handful of parts that need to be swapped over but should be easily available from a dismantler.

    Re Accumulators...you can supposedly order 37-21-1-132-043 new from BMW still, at a cost between $160 and $240 each. However I just called my BMW guy and they said backorder but not NLA, no clear date of availability
     
  5. Aerosurfer

    Aerosurfer Formula 3
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    #5 Aerosurfer, Aug 23, 2023
    Just updated my thread on the accumulator alternatives

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/149281207/
     
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  6. KeithS

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    #6 KeithS, Aug 24, 2023
    Thanks for the responses and accumulator information.

    In 14 years there has been an adult in the back seat exactly twice. Both said once was enough. I have never hauled cement, sand or weights in the trunk. In my opinion the adjustable suspension is an overly complex solution to a non-existent problem. It is insanity to keep repairing this system hoping the next repair will last a reasonable time. Hence, I am searching for a simpler solution. What has been tried? What thoughts have others had?
     

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