S40 (New) Electrics : Steering wheel position sensor

[ohnotanothervolvo]

Hello. I've just replaced the airbags & seat belts on a 54-plate S40 which I bought accident damaged & had repaired. But now I've got an error message come up on which diagnosis says is the STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR. I think this maybe built into the airbag clock spring/ slip ring. The local Volvo dealer says a new one is needed, at £350+VAT. I am usually quite careful with installing parts, so I am not aware that I may have broken the slip ring (although this is the one that was included with the airbag kit). Has anyone else come across this problem? Can it be solved with a reprogramme/ software upload? I am naturally suspicious of main dealers, on the basis of recent experience! If a new part is needed, is there any point in phoning round dealers to get the best price or are all prices now fixed across the UK? Regards