🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Year:

2008

Chassis Code Generation:

W204

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe. The C-Class represents Mercedes-Benz's entry-level luxury offering, competing in a segment with strong German rivals.

Competitors:

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

Brand Philosophy:

Emphasizes luxury, comfort, advanced engineering, and safety, consistent with the Mercedes-Benz brand ethos.

Design Philosophy:

The W204 generation introduced a bolder, more aggressive styling compared to its predecessor, with a focus on driver engagement and modern aesthetics.

📋 Manual Details

Market Regions:

Primarily Canada (for C 230 and specific C 350 variants), with general coverage for all listed 2008 C-Class models.

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual of this era, specific count not provided).

Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English (Assumed, given the product description and target market).

Format:

Printed Manual (Implied by context of sale).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, transmission basics, fuel system.

Chassis & Suspension:

Tires, wheels, basic braking system information.

Electrical & Electronics:

Lighting system, windshield wipers, on-board computer, displays.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation and features.

Body & Interior:

Opening/closing features, seats, steering wheel, mirrors, loading, stowing.

Safety Systems:

General safety warnings and precautions, seat belt usage.

Operation:

Driving and parking procedures, understanding controls.

Maintenance:

Basic maintenance checks, fluid level monitoring, general care instructions.

Troubleshooting:

Breakdown assistance, understanding warning indicators.

Features:

Operation of on-board computer, climate control, and other vehicle features.

Depth:

Owner-level information focused on safe operation, basic maintenance, and feature understanding. Not a repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Printed Document

Quality:

High-quality printing, typical of Mercedes-Benz official publications, with clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

Staple-bound or Perfect-bound paperback (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper:

Durable, glossy paper stock suitable for automotive manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

C 230:

2.5L V6 (M272 E25), 201 hp @ 6100 rpm, 189 lb-ft torque @ 2400-5000 rpm. Naturally Aspirated.

C 300:

3.0L V6 (M272 E30), 228 hp @ 6000 rpm, 221 lb-ft torque @ 2400-5000 rpm. Naturally Aspirated.

C 350:

3.5L V6 (M272 E35), 268 hp @ 6000 rpm, 258 lb-ft torque @ 2400-5000 rpm. Naturally Aspirated.

Engine Management:

ME 9.7 Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated sensors and diagnostics.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).

Injection System:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI).

Emission Control:

Catalytic converters, Oxygen (O2) sensors, secondary air injection (on some variants).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (RWD models only, less common).

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC) with Touchshift.

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes available on 7G-TRONIC for adjusted shift points and throttle response.

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 108.7 inches (2760 mm).

Length:

Approximately 180.2 - 181.4 inches (4578 - 4608 mm), depending on model variant.

Width:

Approximately 70.7 inches (1796 mm).

Height:

Approximately 56.3 inches (1430 mm).

Curb Weight:

Ranges from approximately 3400 lbs (1542 kg) for RWD models to over 3700 lbs (1678 kg) for 4MATIC variants.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5 Stars (for models tested).

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for models tested).

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags, window airbags, front-seat active head restraints.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.

💡 Technology Features

Comand System:

Optional COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system likely available, featuring CD/DVD player, radio, navigation, and potentially Bluetooth connectivity. Manual covers its basic operation.

Parking Sensors:

PARKTRONIC parking assist system likely available, providing audible and visual cues for parking. Manual details its usage.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling, integrated into the COMAND or audio system. Manual will cover pairing procedure.

Instrument Cluster:

Multi-function display in the instrument cluster showing vehicle information, trip computer data, and warning messages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on 'Flexible Service System' (ASSYST PLUS) monitoring. Specific interval can vary based on driving conditions.

Major Service:

Around 40,000-50,000 miles, often including spark plug replacement (depending on engine), brake fluid flush, and cabin air filter replacement. Detailed in the manual's maintenance schedule.

Engine Oil:

API SN/SM/SL or ACEA A3/B4 certified synthetic oil, viscosity grade typically 0W-40 or 5W-40 as per Mercedes-Benz specification 229.5.

Coolant:

Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., G05 or similar formulation), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specification MB-Approval 325.0.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

MB-Approval 236.10 or 236.14 specification (e.g., Mobil ATF 134, Fuchs Titan ATF 4134). Critical to use correct fluid to prevent transmission damage.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (SAE J1704) specification. Replace every 2 years.

M272 Engine Balance Shaft:

Early M272 engines (prior to mid-2007 production) had issues with the balance shaft sprocket. While 2008 models are generally less affected, it's a known point of vigilance for this engine family. Manual covers general engine operation and care.

Oil Leaks:

Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals over time. Manual covers checking oil levels.

Electronics:

Occasional issues with COMAND infotainment system or electronic modules. Manual provides basic operation guidance.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, has a long-standing reputation for luxury, engineering, and safety in the automotive industry.

W204 Generation:

The 2008 C-Class represents the second generation of the W204 platform, succeeding the W203. It marked a significant design and technological update.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production sites included Bremen, Germany, and East London, South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Awards:

The 2008 C-Class was recognized by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a 'Top Safety Pick', indicating strong performance in crash tests.

Consumer Reports:

While specific ratings vary, Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically rank well for luxury and performance, though reliability can be a point of comparison with some competitors.

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet and exceed all relevant Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in North America.