Even looking into my crystal ball I cannot see your situation.🧐

 

I had the same sitch as the thread starter.
a used steering angle sensor fixed it

 

Not sure which will fit your Base Model, but attached is the shop manual information on the clockspring.

 

Not sure I can answer your question confidently. But I also can't believe this was design-changed between models & model years. Just doesn't make sense to me that this required design effort between models & model years. But, if it were me, I would purchase one from the same model year as your Base car. I looked over the eBay listings for Crossfire clocksprings & nothing popped out to me as being much different across model years. This may not clear up the "muddy water", but it is a place to start.

If you can pinpoint the different clockspring versions you're looking at to me, maybe we can put our heads together & figure it out.

 

I believe the 07 or 08 model added an airbag for the knees so there is an extra wire or two on the clockspring.
in my opinion.... Check the dates of manufacture on eBay (I did this) the newer the better without the extra wire because these sensors are known to go bad.

 

Thanks for this info. Makes sense to me that the clockspring comes in 2 versions: 1 for the 2004-2006 models; 1 for the 2007-2008 models. Should help evilsaint decide which clockspring to buy.

evilesaint: Always hang in there. Eventually, you will get someone that provides valuable feedback to help you solve your issue.

 

Surely they clock spring only has contacts for the components in the steering wheel, why complicate it with parts that are not connected to the wheel?

 

Dave - While this makes complete sense to me, I'll have to defer to others that have some experience (I have none with clocksprings) in this issue and/or repair. As I stated earlier, I can't fathom why this part would be changed between model years. I probably need to go compare service manual diagrams between the 2004-2006 models and the 2007-2008 models. I've downloaded & saved for my reference the 2005 shop manual from your listing; and I've got a complete set of 2007 shop manuals (hard copy & CD version) for my Coupe.

Later, Dennis E.

 

Id bet that the 07-08 version still works on the previous models. Just didnt wanna risk it myself 😂

 

No quick answer honestly, best bet is to just unplug the battery an remove the air bag from the steering wheel which will reveal the clock spring and show you what wire set you need, i also recommend a icarsoft i980 as a cheap DTC tool that works well with our cars.

 

Don't give up, replacing it is relatively easy just be gentle installing the new one, I had to replace the driver air bag in my car and yes they do use different connectors for different years. WHY? I have no clue, especially because I think it only effects the 2005-2006 model year cars but I Could be wrong. BTW you'll need a T30 o remove the steeering air bag, I also recommend spraying wd40 on whatever you use to get inside that hole, very tight old and dry. You'll thank me later trust me.

 

You can check if the clock springs are different from year to year by simply looking at the Parts Manuals for each individual year.
The manuals are readable or downloadable for each year on this forum. To save money you can remove your clock spring and read the Mercedes part number on it and buy the same part new or used. Do not use the Mopar number to purchase a new part as you will get the exact same Mercedes part with the Mopar label on it for an exorbitantly marked up price.
Used parts sold for the CF are generally higher than the exact same part used on a Mercedes.