456 shock rebuild

I'm sending my 456 shocks to bilstein and replacing the accumulators (735iL BMW part) and wonder if I need to replace the lower bushing or "spherical ball joint". It is about $640 each from ferrai. I found some threads indicating that this part is quite robust and usually doesn't need replacing...deltvee seemed to indicate this. Anyway, replace or not replace? Any other sources for more economical equivalent bushings?

By the way...ride isn't bad but supposedly rear shocks are leaking so I'll swap out most parts while they're out and will revalve fronts to stiffer profile like the 550 which I always preferred the handling over the 456.

Thanks
Chuck

 

I've decided not to replace the lower bushings. I'll let you know how it goes.
Interestingly, bilstein now says that to rebuild the shocks is $200. It used to be $100 and even says so on their website but they are maintaining that "that shock" is not the one necessary for the 456. I suspect they are raising price bc my dealership called on my behalf. Who knows.
ccr