I'm having trouble finding a known-good clock spring for my 05 xB. Does anybody know what are some substitutes from different models, different years?

 

Are talking about number 84306 in the following picture?
If so, there is no cross reference, you need to buy this for an 04-05 xB. If you buy this used you will have to make sure the clocking is the same from the old car and your car, if its off you might brake it as soon as you attempt to make a turn in the car. You may also have to calibrate your traction control system after installation. To avoid this you are better off buying a brand new one, and when you install it make sure your steering shaft is centered as you install it.

 

Yes, that part. Thanks for the information! I was hoping tC might work because there are a couple of those on eBay.

Which leads to the question...how many usable connectors are on a clockspring for an '05 xB?

I wish there was a clear upgrade path to steering-wheel control buttons for audio, bluetooth, and cruise, and without losing horn and airbag.

 

I don't know about the cruise control, but maybe you could install an aftermarket headunit that has a steering wheel control that actually controls the bluetooth also?

 

In case people are interested in the outcome...

After my last post I found the very excellent used-parts meta search site
http://www.car-part.com/index.htm
This site does /not/ ask for your email! They pointed me right to auto recyclers and junkyards that have my part. I then looked for an "airbag clockspring" (it handles the horn too, don't worry, I don't know why people call it that). I picked a place that's less than 1000 miles and had a good price and warranty.

Proper respect to Whitey's Wrecking in Spokane!
http://store.whiteyswrecking.com/autoparts
They called me back promptly, took credit card number over the phone, charged me $65 for the part and around $10 for tax plus shipping (USPS). Part arrived in 3 days. That shipping price is a bargain if you compare it to some of the new parts sellers on the Internet.

My mechanic, who doesn't want any more publicity (he has enough on Yelp to be busy enough) installed it for around $90. So the whole thing cost me around $165. The airbag light is not illuminated anymore! The horn finally works, too.

Thanks bB384 for your advice. Good luck to anyone else who has the problem. And be careful changing out those steering wheels. Don't mess up the ribbon cable (like the guy I bought the car from).