🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chrysler

Model:

300C

Year:

2008

Region:

North America (presumed based on model availability)

Chassis Code:

LX

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Chrysler 300C in 2008 was positioned as a premium, full-size luxury sedan, offering a blend of American styling, comfort, and performance, often competing with European and Japanese luxury brands.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Cadillac DTS, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Audi A6.

Distinguishing Features:

Distinctive retro-inspired styling, powerful V8 engine options, spacious interior, available all-wheel drive (AWD).

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety features, emergency procedures, and consumer assistance for the 2008 Chrysler 300C.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this era and model)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Publication

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, starting procedures, fuel system basics, cooling system, exhaust system overview.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, fluid level checks (if applicable to owner maintenance).

Braking System:

Brake system warnings, ABS operation (basic understanding), parking brake.

Steering And Suspension:

Power steering fluid check (if applicable), basic suspension component awareness.

Electrical System:

Lighting system operation, battery care basics, fuses and their locations, power outlets.

HVAC:

Climate control system operation, A/C, heater, ventilation modes.

Interior Features:

Seat adjustments, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system basics, instrument panel controls.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system explanation, seat belt usage, child restraint systems (LATCH), traction control, stability control (ESP).

Startup Operation:

Pre-start checks, starting the engine, shifting gears, parking.

Emergency Procedures:

What to do in case of a flat tire, dead battery, overheating, brake failure, loss of power.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (basic).

Warning Lights:

Explanation of various dashboard warning indicators and their meaning.

Depth:

Focuses on owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or complex repair instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Quality:

Likely black and white text with some color diagrams/illustrations, printed on standard paper.

Binding:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched, designed for durability in a vehicle environment.

Paper:

Durable, semi-gloss paper suitable for frequent handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

3.5L V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.1L HEMI V8 (SRT8).

3.5L V6 Specifications:

Displacement: 3.5 liters (3497 cc), Configuration: SOHC V6, Horsepower: Approx. 250 hp @ 6400 rpm, Torque: Approx. 250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm.

5.7L Hemi V8 Specifications:

Displacement: 5.7 liters (5654 cc), Configuration: OHV V8 with MDS (Multi-Displacement System), Horsepower: Approx. 360 hp @ 5150 rpm, Torque: Approx. 390 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm.

6.1L Hemi V8 (Srt8) Specifications:

Displacement: 6.1 liters (6059 cc), Configuration: OHV V8, Horsepower: Approx. 425 hp @ 6000 rpm, Torque: Approx. 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended for 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI engines for optimal performance).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (W5A580 for V8 models, 42RLE for V6 models).

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, All-wheel drive (AWD) optional on 3.5L V6 and 5.7L HEMI models.

Transmission Modes:

Driver-selectable Auto/Manual mode (AutoStick on some models).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.9 inches (5077 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm)

Height:

Approx. 58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 120.0 inches (3048 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105.4 cubic feet (2984 liters)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 16.0 cubic feet (453 liters)

Curb Weight V6:

Approx. 3800 - 4000 lbs (1724 - 1814 kg)

Curb Weight V8:

Approx. 4000 - 4200 lbs (1814 - 1905 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (Driver and Passenger) for 2008 model year.

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 Stars (Front) and 4 Stars (Rear) for 2008 model year.

IIHS Ratings:

Good in front and side impact tests (for models equipped with side airbags).

Traction Control:

Standard on all models.

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard on all models (Chrysler Electronic Stability Program - ESP).

Antilock Brakes:

Standard on all models (ABS).

Airbags:

Front advanced multi-stage airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags (optional on some trims, standard on others), front seat-mounted side airbags (optional).

Seatbelts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Various Boston Acoustics or premium Alpine audio systems available, with CD player, AM/FM radio, and optional SiriusXM satellite radio.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system with touch-screen interface available on higher trims.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Bluetooth:

Optional Uconnect hands-free communication system with Bluetooth integration.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard auxiliary audio input jack on many models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. May vary based on oil type (synthetic recommended).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Recommended every 7,500 - 10,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 3 years or 60,000 miles, or as indicated by brake system diagnostics.

Coolant Flush:

Initial service around 100,000 miles, then every 50,000-60,000 miles thereafter.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 5W-20, meeting Chrysler Material Standard MS-6395 (for V6 and 5.7L HEMI). SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic for 6.1L HEMI SRT8.

Coolant Spec:

Chrysler HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically Mopar OAT or equivalent (e.g., Zerex G-05).

Transmission Fluid Spec:

ATF+4 (for 5-speed automatic), ATF-SP III or equivalent for 4-speed automatic.

Common Wear Items:

Brake pads and rotors, front suspension components (ball joints, control arms), exhaust system (rust on pipes/mufflers), water pump, power steering components.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical issues can arise, often related to body control modules or sensor failures.

Hemi Mds Issues:

Some 5.7L HEMI models may experience issues with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifters or oil pressure when the system is engaged.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Chrysler, an American automotive manufacturer founded in 1925, has a history of producing a wide range of vehicles, from economical sedans to luxury cars and minivans.

300 Series Lineage:

The Chrysler 300 nameplate has a rich history, dating back to the 1950s with iconic models. The modern Chrysler 300 (introduced for the 2005 model year) revived the nameplate with a distinctive, retro-inspired design based on the LX platform, sharing components with Mercedes-Benz.

Manufacturing Location:

Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada.

Generation:

Second generation (facelifted version of the first generation LX platform).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The 2008 Chrysler 300C received various accolades from automotive publications for its styling, power, and value proposition.

Design Awards:

Often cited for its distinctive and bold exterior design.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports ratings varied, with some praise for performance and comfort, but also critiques regarding predicted reliability in certain areas.