🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

300

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 Chrysler 300 Owner's Manual

Oem Part Number:

P5156108AB

Federal Compliance:

NHTSA, EPA standards for 2008 model year

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Chrysler 300 (2008 model) occupied a significant niche in the full-size sedan market, often positioned as a premium, stylish, and powerful American sedan with rear-wheel drive dynamics, distinguishing itself from front-wheel drive competitors with a bold, retro-inspired design.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with other large sedans such as the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis (for RWD sedan appeal), Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, and Buick Lucerne. Its distinctive styling and available HEMI V8 engine offered a strong value proposition against many imports.

Key Features:

Bold styling, spacious interior, powerful engine options (including HEMI), rear-wheel-drive platform (with optional all-wheel-drive), comfortable ride, available luxury features.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive owner's information for all 2008 Chrysler 300 trims and powertrains.

Page Count:

Approximately 400 pages (typical for this model year and type).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (Original Equipment)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Vehicle operation, instrument panel and controls, climate control, audio systems, seating and storage, lighting, mirrors and glass, wheels and tires, instrument cluster, warning lights and chimes, engine, transmission, braking system, steering, suspension, starting and charging system, fuel system, exhaust system, electrical system, safety systems (airbags, seat belts), child restraints, maintenance, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), exterior and interior features, driving information, towing information, emergency procedures, customer assistance, vehicle care, scheduled maintenance.

Procedures Included:

How to start and operate the vehicle, adjust seats and mirrors, use climate control, operate audio and navigation systems, understand dashboard indicators and warning lights, perform basic checks (fluid levels, tire pressure), change a tire, jump-start the battery, use emergency equipment, secure child seats, proper towing procedures, routine maintenance checks and schedules.

Technical Depth:

Covers everyday operation, feature utilization, safety information, and basic owner-level maintenance. Does not delve into detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs, which are found in Service Manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality, durable paper stock with clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Staple bound or perfect bound, designed for glove box storage and durability.

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper for durability and image clarity.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.5L V6 (250 hp @ 6400 rpm, 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm)

Optional Engine 1:

5.7L HEMI V8 (340 hp @ 5000 rpm, 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm)

Optional Engine 2:

6.1L HEMI SRT V8 (425 hp @ 6000 rpm, 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm - for 300 SRT8 model)

Performance 3.5L V6:

0-60 mph: approx. 7.5 seconds

Performance 5.7L Hemi V8:

0-60 mph: approx. 5.3 seconds

Fuel System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for V6, 91 octane recommended for HEMI V8s)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed automatic (42RLE) for 3.5L V6

Optional Transmission:

5-speed automatic (W5A580) for 5.7L HEMI V8

All Wheel Drive Availability:

Available with 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI V8 engines.

Transmission Fluid Spec V6:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

Transmission Fluid Spec V8:

ATF+4 (Chrysler Mopar)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 196.1 inches (5.0 L)

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1.9 m)

Height:

Approx. 58.0 inches (1.5 m)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.0 inches (2.9 m)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 39.6 inches (1.0 m)

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 37.9 inches (1.0 m)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.8 inches (1.1 m)

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 40.8 inches (1.0 m)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 16.0 cubic feet (0.45 m³)

Curb Weight V6 Rwd:

Approx. 3,924 lbs (1,780 kg)

Curb Weight Hemi Rwd:

Approx. 4,126 lbs (1,871 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Rollover Resistance:

4 Stars

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Passive Features:

Driver and front passenger advanced multi-stage airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, active head restraints, front seat belt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available Boston Acoustics premium audio system, Uconnect infotainment system (with Bluetooth, voice command, and navigation on higher trims/options).

Driver Assistance Features:

ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera (optional), ParkSense Rear Park Assist System (optional), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Connectivity Options:

Uconnect hands-free communication with Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability.

Lighting Features:

Halogen projector headlamps, available Xenon/High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic or synthetic blend oil). Severe duty may require more frequent changes.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 6,000 miles (9,600 km) or 6 months.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months, or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long Life Iridium).

Spark Plug Replacement Hemi:

Approximately 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Long Life Iridium).

Engine Oil Type V6:

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or newer).

Engine Oil Type Hemi:

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic (API SN or newer).

Coolant Type:

Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mopar Power Steering Fluid or equivalent DEXRON III/MERCON.

Known Issues General:

Potential for water pump leaks (especially on V8 engines), alternator failures, issues with the power steering system (pump or lines), and occasional minor electrical gremlins. Some owners report interior material wear over time.

Known Issues Hemi Mds:

The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) on HEMI engines can sometimes lead to issues if not properly maintained, though typically robust.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Chrysler, an American automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1925. The brand is known for innovation, luxury, and performance, with iconic models like the original Chrysler Airflow and the Imperial.

Model Evolution First Gen:

The Chrysler 300 was reintroduced for the 2005 model year, succeeding the Chrysler Concorde. It was based on the LX platform (shared with the Dodge Charger and Magnum), featuring a distinctive, muscular design reminiscent of the original 1950s Chrysler 300 'letter cars'.

Model Evolution 2008 Updates:

For 2008, the Chrysler 300 received styling updates, revised powertrains (including a new 3.5L V6 and an updated 5.7L HEMI), improved interior materials, and new technology features. A new sport-tuned '5.7L HEMI' model was introduced, alongside the existing 3.5L V6 and the high-performance SRT8 variants.

Production Plant:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Production Years Lx Platform:

2005-2010

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The 2008 Chrysler 300 received various positive reviews for its bold styling and performance, particularly the HEMI models. While specific major awards for the 2008 model year itself are less prominent than its initial launch years, it maintained its strong market presence and often appeared on 'best of' lists for its segment.

Ratings:

Consistently scored well in owner satisfaction surveys for its segment, praised for its comfortable ride and powerful engines.

Certifications:

Compliant with all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for the 2008 model year.