🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Model Variant:

C350 Sport

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

W204

Engine Code:

M272 (V6)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-luxury compact executive sedan.

Positioning:

Positioned as Mercedes-Benz's most accessible sedan, offering a blend of sportiness, luxury, and advanced technology.

Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37.

Design Philosophy:

Modern, athletic styling with signature Mercedes-Benz elegance. The 'Sport' designation emphasizes a more dynamic aesthetic and potentially firmer suspension tuning.

Powertrain Emphasis:

Focus on refined V6 power delivery and efficient cruising.

Technology:

Integration of advanced driver assistance systems (optional) and a sophisticated infotainment interface (COMAND system).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport.

Secondary Coverage:

Includes introduction, instrument cluster, entertainment, climate controls, lighting, driver controls, locks, security, seating, safety restraints, driving tips, customer assistance, defect reporting (US), cleaning, maintenance, specifications, engine compartment, engine oil, battery, fuel, air filters, part numbers, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, and accessories.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this model/year).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system fundamentals, transmission overview.

Chassis:

Brake system operation, steering system fundamentals, suspension system overview, wheel and tire care.

Electrical System:

Battery care, lighting operation, instrument cluster functions, infotainment system basics, power accessories.

Body & Interior:

Door locks, security system, seating adjustments, safety restraint system (airbags, seatbelts), climate control operation, interior features.

Basic Maintenance:

Engine oil checking and topping up, fluid level checks (coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, windshield wiper blade replacement guidance.

Operation:

Starting and driving the vehicle, using the cruise control, operating the climate control system, using the audio and infotainment features, parking procedures, fuel filling instructions.

Safety:

Understanding seatbelt usage, child seat installation guidance, operation of airbag systems, emergency procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., tire pressure issues, battery warnings).

Depth:

Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Not a comprehensive repair manual but provides essential information for daily use and care.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if converted from original digital factory file.

Compatibility:

Compatible with any device capable of reading PDF files (PC, Mac, tablet, smartphone).

Quality:

Digital replica of factory original, quality dependent on original source scanning/conversion.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)

Emissions Control:

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

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Transmission Type:

Optional: 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Shifting Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

Manual Mode:

TouchShift paddle shifters or manual selection via gear lever.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.2 inches (4577 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

56.4 inches (1433 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2760 mm)

Curb Weight Rwd:

Approximately 3483 lbs (1579 kg)

Curb Weight AWD:

Approximately 3593 lbs (1630 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 13.1 cubic feet (370 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for 2008 model year)

IIHS Rear Impact Head Restraints:

Good (for 2008 model year)

Stability Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BAS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, window curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front belt tensioners and belt force limiters.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation)

Features:

CD/DVD player, AM/FM radio, optional satellite radio, optional navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming depending on package), auxiliary audio input.

Interface:

Central display screen controlled by a rotary knob and buttons on the center console.

Optional Systems:

Intelligent Light System, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Parktronic (parking sensors), Bi-Xenon headlamps, possibly adaptive cruise control (Distronic Plus) on higher trims/options.

Bluetooth:

Standard or optional for hands-free calling and potentially audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, based on the 'Active Service Interval' system (ASSYST PLUS).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the 'Maintenance Menu' displayed on the instrument cluster, which indicates required services based on driving conditions and mileage (e.g., 'A', 'B' services).

Engine Oil Spec:

MB Approved 229.5 or 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic OW-40, Castrol Syntec OW-40).

Coolant Spec:

MB Approved 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

MB Approved 236.14 (for 7G-TRONIC)

Engine M272 Balance Shaft Wear:

Premature wear of the balance shaft sprocket in earlier M272 engines (though less common in later production 2008 models compared to earlier years). Leads to check engine lights and rough running.

Oil Cooler Leaks:

Potential for oil cooler seals to degrade, leading to coolant contamination or oil leaks.

Transmission Harsh Shifting:

Some units may exhibit harsh shifting, often addressed by software updates or transmission fluid/filter service.

Suspension Components:

Front lower control arms and bushings can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and steering issues.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU 830yx, Bosch 72242, Mercedes-Benz A2721800109

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C30138/1, Bosch 1457429242, Mercedes-Benz A2048300218

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 US quarts (8.0 liters)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)

Heritage Focus:

Longstanding reputation for engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and innovation in the automotive industry.

Generation Code:

W204 (This generation marked a significant design departure from the W203, adopting a more sculpted and aggressive aesthetic).

Introduction Year:

Globally introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year.

Key Changes For 2008:

All-new platform (W204), updated styling, new engine options, improved interior quality and technology.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Sindelfingen, Bremen) and South Africa (East London).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick Precursor:

While not explicitly a 'Top Safety Pick' award in the modern sense, the W204's strong crash test performance set the stage for future accolades in safety.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received good to very good ratings from consumer organizations for performance, comfort, and safety, though specific reliability scores varied by year and components.

Emission Standards:

Compliant with US EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.