🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Model Code:

BL

Year:

2008

Engine Variant:

3.3L G DOHC

Engine Code Primary:

G6DA

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Mid-size SUV, positioned as a practical and versatile family vehicle with optional AWD.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Offered a strong value proposition with good feature content for its price point.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, available third-row seating, robust build quality, comfortable ride, V6 engine option for capable performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas General:

Complete Factory Service and Repair

Coverage Areas Specific:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Chassis, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Page Count Estimate:

Over 1500

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered Engine:

Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, inspection), lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management system (ECM/ECU) diagnostics, timing system, performance tuning.

Systems Covered Transmission:

Automatic Transmission (4-speed and 5-speed variants for this generation if applicable), manual transmission, clutch, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, axles), transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.

Systems Covered Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.

Systems Covered Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, springs), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications.

Systems Covered Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuse and relay information, power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM).

Systems Covered HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heater, climate control system operation and diagnosis, refrigerant type and charge, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).

Systems Covered Body:

Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, bumpers, seals, door locks, hinges, latches, exterior lighting, windshield wiper system.

Systems Covered Chassis:

Frame construction, exhaust system, fuel tank and lines, chassis components, towing information.

Procedures Included Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation, brake inspection, battery maintenance, air filter replacement.

Procedures Included Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostic codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance diagnosis.

Procedures Included Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component replacement, HVAC system repairs, body panel repair.

Procedures Included Installation:

Accessory installation (if specified), component replacement procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, designed for clear printing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format, user prints as needed)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement Primary:

3.3 Liters

Engine Configuration Primary:

V6

Engine Valvetrain Primary:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Engine Cylinders Primary:

6

Engine Bore Primary:

92.5 mm

Engine Stroke Primary:

81.5 mm

Engine Compression Ratio Primary:

10.0:1

Engine Fuel Type Primary:

Unleaded Gasoline

Horsepower Primary:

242 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Primary:

224 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Injection System:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Octane Rating:

87 Octane (Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

Automatic

Transmission Gears Standard:

4-Speed Automatic

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Automatic (may be available on certain trims/markets)

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, sequential shifting, adaptive shift logic.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 7.7 Liters (1.9 Gallons) for 4-speed auto (dry fill)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4675 mm (184.1 inches)

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 inches)

Height:

1785 mm (70.3 inches)

Wheelbase:

2710 mm (106.7 inches)

Seating Capacity:

5 or 7 (optional third row)

Cargo Volume Behind Second Row:

Approx. 40.0 cu ft

Cargo Volume Behind Third Row:

Approx. 12.5 cu ft (if equipped)

Curb Weight Estimate:

1900-2050 kg (4189-4519 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 2600 kg (5732 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Up to 3500 lbs (check specific market and configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - 2008 Model Year (US)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:

Good

IIHS Side Impact Crash Test Rating:

Good

Active Features Standard:

ABS, EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Passive Features Standard:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (for all rows if equipped), active head restraints.

Passive Features Optional:

Third-row side curtain airbags may be optional.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Optional premium audio system, CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Navigation systems available on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, rear parking assist sensors (optional).

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact schedule based on driving conditions).

Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (24,000 to 48,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 to 100,000 miles (96,000 to 160,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., iridium recommended).

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 45,000 to 60,000 miles (72,000 to 96,000 km) for typical use, more frequent for severe duty.

Engine Oil Type Primary:

SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 Synthetic Blend / Full Synthetic (API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water (typically Asian Red or equivalent long-life coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine PSF or Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF

Known Issues Engine:

Potential for oil consumption in some engines, occasional radiator leaks, timing belt wear (if applicable, although this generation likely uses a timing chain).

Known Issues Transmission:

Some reports of delayed shifting or torque converter issues in older units.

Known Issues Suspension:

Worn ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links can lead to noise and poor handling.

Known Issues Electrical:

Window regulator failures, power door lock actuator issues, occasional alternator problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automaker, has a history dating back to 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of bicycle parts to a global automotive producer known for value and improving quality.

Model Evolution:

The BL generation Sorento (produced from 2002-2009) was Kia's first body-on-frame SUV, offering ruggedness and towing capability. The 2008 model year saw facelifts and updates to technology and refinement. This generation transitioned to a unibody construction for subsequent models (XM generation onwards).

Production Period Bl Generation:

2002-2009

Production Locations:

South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Malaysia, Slovakia (for European market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions General:

While specific awards for the 2008 BL Sorento are not widely publicized as headline achievements, the model was generally well-regarded for its value and utility in the SUV market segment at the time of its release.

Ratings Customer Satisfaction Estimate:

Generally good customer satisfaction for its class, particularly for value and practicality. Consumer reports often highlighted its affordability and features.