[DavetheChemist]

So my 456 is coming up 10 years old shortly and I note inside the passenger's door a little sticker advising that the gas charge needs to be replaced for the airbag. This is an exceptionally low mileage vehicle (under 5000miles). Does this really need to be done....I can imagine the Ferrari dealer in New Zealand charging me a first born child for this......Suggestions please.....

[tazandjan]

Dave- Nope, Ferrari extended the interval to 15 years for all models and will probably extend it to 20 years before too long. Nobody had any data back when airbags were first introduced, but all the data says the airbags last way longer than originally estimated. Plus, what is the advantage of pulling one from a car and replacing it with one that has sat on a shelf for the same period of time? Nobody is making new 456 airbags, for sure.

So here is the actual bulletin extending the interval to 15 years. As a newbie here, I have to establish my credibility and the only way to do that is to publish real data.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[DavetheChemist]

Well......I must say.....thank you very much. Opinion and proof.......Can't ask for better than that. Well done.
Thanks

[tazandjan]

Dave- I can tell you I have no intention of replacing my Nov 03 575M's airbags at 15 years in 2018. All those numbers are just estimates, so you pays your money and takes your chances. Unfortunately, a lot of money for not much chance on airbags.

I have a chemistry degree myself (math, too), but never used it until I became a rocket scientist after flying fighters for the AF for 20 years as a first career. Hexavalent....

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Granucci]

Thanks Taz.

I have a 1995, 456 and as Taz states I have no intention of even to fiddle with it. I realize the safety value but if I can feel ok in a Modal T which only has belts I am quite certain the GT will serve me even better bags or not... Resale (not happening for me) or not.

[joshman]

Granucci, i have been researching and seaking a Ferrari for sometime and as is said many times, I am doing my homework. I wanted a 348 in the worst way and have been steered away finally by numerous restoration experts. So my new love is the 456M. Wow what a beautiful car and maintenance seem quite bit less than others.

Seeing you have one, I am looking for advice. I have read some info, but firsthand knowledge would great.

Thanks in advance.

[Killer58]

Originally Posted by joshman

Seeing you have one, I am looking for advice. I have read some info, but firsthand knowledge would great.

Rick,

Let me pile on with the qestions re a 456: A very reputable F-machanic recently told me the gearboxes in the 456 are notoriously frail, something I had not heard nor is that mentioned in the Buyers Guide.

If I recall, they are just modified GM boxes no?. If so, I can't see they'd be a week link.

Thoughts?

[tazandjan]

David- In my opinion that is an old wive's tale. The 456 GTA and M GTA automatics are modified GM four speed transmissions and have proven to be very reliable if serviced regularly. Problems noted have usually been potentiometers and similar that are easily exchanged. The original designer of that automatic has now set up his own shop and is available for consultation, so risk has decreased substantially.

The 456/M six speed transaxle is very robust and should cause no problems.

For the 456 GT, there were 1936 total produced, of which 402 had automatic transmissions. For the 456M, production was just about evenly split between 6 speeds and automatics (~650-750 each), so there are way more 6 speeds than automatics out there.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Killer58]

Thanks Taz, that's what I suspected. The Mech is really geared towards very high-performance upgrades, so I took his advice with a grain of salt.

The only issue that gives me any concern at all is pure age. The oldest 456s are now 16 years old. As more and more bits start aging, the unknown is will they overwhelm a reasonable maintenance/repair budget?

BTW - I had a chance to drive a 575 last week, boy was that a sweet car. However, I have to say, I think I still like the 456 better (I just can't get past the paddle shifters, I'd rather have an automatic!).

[tazandjan]

David- To enjoy a paddle shifter car, in my opinion, you need to drive it like it is a manual transmission. I have never even checked to see if the Auto button works in my car. Mine has also never made an automatic downshift since I owned it. Either I downshift it myself or I select neutral. For me, the F1 system is just a clutch that engages itself, the rest is just the same as a three pedal car. As a matter of fact it is exactly the same transmission and clutch, only the shifter mechanisms and throw-out bearings are different. Plus there is an added clutch position sensor and an extra angular speed sensor.

Tha above applies to the single clutch F1 systems 355-599. The new DCT transmissions Auto modes are not much different from a torque converter automatic. In the near future, expect the torque converter to go away, because DCT type transmissions are so much more efficient. Bor-Warner is working on a DCT with dry clutches, which should significantly reduce cost.

Taz
Terry Phillips