🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Magentis

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

MG (Second Generation)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Kia Magentis (also known as Kia Optima in some markets) was Kia's mid-size sedan offering, positioned to compete with established models like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Ford Fusion. It aimed to provide value, a comfortable ride, and increasingly sophisticated features.

Target Demographic:

Families and individuals seeking a reliable, comfortable, and well-equipped mid-size sedan at a competitive price point.

Competitive Analysis:

The 2008 Magentis was part of a competitive segment. Its key selling points were often its styling (especially the second generation), a more affordable price point compared to some rivals, and a decent feature set for the money. However, it often lagged behind leaders in refinement, perceived quality, and long-term resale value, though Kia significantly improved in these areas over time.

Key Features:

The 2008 Magentis (second generation, code named MG) featured a more contemporary design, improved interior materials, and a choice of potent V6 engines. It offered a comfortable and spacious cabin, a good ride quality for daily commuting, and a range of available safety and convenience features.

Interior Comfort And Space:

Spacious cabin for its class, comfortable seating for five adults, good rear-seat legroom.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Complete Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Bodywork, HVAC, Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Brakes, Suspension, Steering, Electrical Systems, Emissions Control, Interior Components, Exterior Components, Safety Systems, Chassis

Page Count:

Extensive (typical workshop manual over 1500 pages)

Manual Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Intake System, Turbocharging (if applicable), Variable Valve Timing (VVT), Electronic Engine Controls (ECM/PCM), Automatic Transmission (AT), Manual Transmission (MT), Clutch System, Drive Axles, Differentials, Transfer Case (if applicable), Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering, Brake System (ABS, EBD), Parking Brake, Wheel & Tire Service, Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC System (Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation), SRS (Airbag) System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Power Accessories, Wiper/Washer System, Audio System, Navigation System (if applicable), Body Control Modules (BCM), Gateway Modules, Diagnostic Scan Tool Procedures, Wiring Harnesses, Fuses, Relays, Battery, Charging System, Starting System

Emissions Control Systems:

Diagnosis and repair of catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EVAP system, EGR (if applicable).

Chassis And Suspension Geometry:

Detailed specifications for suspension alignment (camber, caster, toe).

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Maintenance, Inspection Procedures, Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement, Hose Replacement, Tune-Up Procedures, Engine Overhaul, Cylinder Head Reassembly, Piston and Connecting Rod Installation, Crankshaft Installation, Valve Train Adjustment, Camshaft Timing, Transmission Fluid Change, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement, Brake Caliper Service, Suspension Component Replacement (struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods), Wheel Bearing Replacement, Power Steering Pump Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, HVAC Component Replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor), Airbag System Diagnosis and Repair, Electrical Component Testing, Wiring Harness Repair, Fuse and Relay Diagnosis, ECM/PCM Programming and Diagnosis, OBD-II Diagnostic Codes and P-Codes, Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Component Removal and Installation, Component Disassembly and Assembly, Body Panel Alignment, Door Mechanism Repair, Interior Trim Panel Removal, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) clearing and interpretation, Torque Specifications, Alignment Specifications, Emission Control System Diagnosis

Drivetrain Component Repair:

Front wheel drive axle and CV joint repair, differential service.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, seat removal, headliner repair, bumper replacement, fender repair, glass replacement.

Wheel And Tire Service:

Tire rotation, wheel balancing, tire pressure checks, wheel mounting and dismounting.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. Covers all repair and service procedures performed by certified technicians.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

OBD-II scanner, multimeter, fuel pressure gauge, vacuum gauge, specialized tools for certain engine and transmission repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable at any size, clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.7L V6 (G6EA - Lambda)

Horsepower:

Approximately 185-190 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 180-185 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

G6EA (2.7L V6)

Bore X Stroke:

86.7 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 24 Valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)

Engine Displacement:

2.7 Liters

Cooling Fan Type:

Electric cooling fans

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-Speed Automatic

Optional:

None specified for this year in most markets

Features:

Electronically controlled, Sequential manual mode (Sportmatic)

Transmission Fluid Type:

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

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approximately 4800 mm (189.0 in)

Overall Width:

Approximately 1805 mm (71.1 in)

Overall Height:

Approximately 1460 mm (57.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2720 mm (107.1 in)

Front Overhang:

Approximately 970 mm (38.2 in)

Rear Overhang:

Approximately 1110 mm (43.7 in)

Front Headroom:

Approximately 1010 mm (39.8 in)

Rear Headroom:

Approximately 970 mm (38.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but estimated around 2100-2200 kg

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for towing heavy loads.

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 Stars (Front), 4 Stars (Rear)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - often optional on lower trims

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Optional

Headlight Control:

Automatic headlights (optional), manual headlight control.

Passive Features:

Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (front and rear), Active front head restraints, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners, Crumple zones

Seat Belt Anchorage:

Adjustable upper anchor points for front seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system, optional Infinity premium audio system, auxiliary input jack, MP3 capability. Available navigation system on higher trims.

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, Power windows, Power door locks, Remote keyless entry, Automatic climate control (optional), Steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input, 12V power outlets.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for exact interval)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Not applicable (2.7L V6 Lambda engine uses a timing chain)

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or as recommended by Kia (refer to manual)

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Engine Oil Specification:

API SL or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, P-HOAT type coolant (e.g., Kia Genuine Long Life Coolant) - usually orange or red

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 75W-85 (if manual transmission was offered, which is rare for this model year/engine)

Washer Fluid:

Standard automotive windshield washer fluid (water/alcohol mixture)

Known Issues:

Potential for minor oil leaks from valve covers or oil pan, occasional ABS sensor faults, and HVAC system issues (e.g., blower motor resistor). Some owners report interior trim rattles. Timing chain wear can occur at very high mileage but is generally robust.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5-4.8 liters (4.8-5.1 US quarts) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.5-8.0 liters (7.9-8.5 US quarts)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5-8.0 liters (7.9-8.5 US quarts) for a full drain and fill

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history dating back to 1944. It transitioned from bicycle manufacturing to producing vehicles and has grown significantly globally, particularly in recent decades, focusing on improved design, quality, and reliability.

Model Evolution:

The Kia Magentis succeeded the Kia Optima (first generation). The 2008 model represents the second generation (MG), introduced for the 2006 model year. This generation saw a significant styling update and platform improvements over its predecessor.

Production Period:

Second generation: 2005-2010

Assembly Locations:

South Korea (Hwaseong)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Magentis did not garner many specific awards compared to its Japanese counterparts, it was generally praised for its value proposition and improved styling over previous Kia models. It often appeared on 'best value' lists by automotive publications.