🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

C-Class

Model Variant:

C300

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

W204

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive/Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

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

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced technology, refined ride quality.

Performance Credentials:

Sporty handling, responsive engine, Mercedes-Benz's reputation for engineering.

Philosophy Alignment:

The manual reflects Mercedes-Benz's commitment to customer education and the premium ownership experience.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting

Specific Systems Covered:

Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving Operation, Customer Assistance, Cleaning, Maintenance, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel, Air Filter, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories

Estimated Page Count:

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

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Management:

Engine oil specifications, fuel requirements, air filter information, refill capacities, lubricant specifications, basic engine compartment overview.

Chassis And Body:

Locks and security, lighting operation, cleaning procedures, accessory information.

Interior Features:

Instrument cluster explanation, entertainment systems overview, climate controls operation, seating and safety restraints.

Driver Controls:

Explanation of steering wheel controls, dashboard buttons, and other driver-operated features.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking engine oil, tire pressure, basic fluid levels, understanding service indicators.

Safety Features:

Proper use of seatbelts, airbags, child seat installation guidance.

Operational Guidance:

Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, use of various vehicle systems.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Understanding warning lamps, basic customer assistance procedures.

Depth:

Consumer-level understanding of vehicle operation and maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Likely searchable text within the PDF, depending on the digitization quality.

Print Readability:

Designed for digital viewing, printable if desired. Quality dependent on original factory manual digitization.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

3.0L V6 (M272 E30)

Engine Code:

M272

Horsepower:

Approximately 228 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 221 lb-ft @ 2500-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Location Of Components:

The manual provides diagrams and descriptions of key engine components.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic Transmission (7G-TRONIC)

Transmission Code:

7G-TRONIC

Driving Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF) - Specificity for this is crucial.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 180.6 inches (4587 mm)

Width:

Approximately 69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

Approximately 56.3 inches (1430 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500-3600 lbs (1588-1633 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Likely received good ratings, as is typical for Mercedes-Benz. Specific year ratings would need verification.

Electronic Stability Program:

Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

Traction Control:

Standard TCS (Traction Control System)

Antilock Brakes:

Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags

Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Standard on front seats

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

COMAND APS or Audio 20 NTG 2.5 (depending on options)

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls, optional USB/Auxiliary input.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Assistance:

Optional parking sensors (PARKTRONIC)

System Type:

Dual-zone automatic climate control (THERMATIC or THERMATIC Plus)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on Mercedes-Benz Flexible Service System (FSS). Actual interval determined by the car's 'Service A' or 'Service B' indicator.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the 'Maintenance and Specifications' section for detailed intervals for items like spark plugs, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission service.

Engine Oil Specification:

MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil recommended). Check manual for exact specification for the C300 variant.

Coolant Specification:

MB 325.0 (Ethylene Glycol based, long-life coolant, typically a blue or green color).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)

Common Concerns W204 M272:

While the manual focuses on operation, common issues with the M272 engine can include balance shaft failures in earlier versions (though less common by 2008 and later models with updated parts), and potentially intake manifold flap issues. The manual will not detail these repairs, but knowing them is part of expert knowledge.

Oil Filter Part Number Example:

Mann-Filter HU 716/2x, Bosch 0 986 452 041 (Note: Always verify exact part number for specific VIN).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 - 7.0 liters (6.9 - 7.4 US quarts)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG)

Generation Introduction:

The W204 generation of the C-Class debuted for the 2008 model year, representing a significant redesign from the previous W203 generation.

Design Language:

Marked a shift towards a more aggressive, sculpted design language for the C-Class.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany, with other global production facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

The W204 generation consistently received high safety ratings from organizations like IIHS (Top Safety Pick) and NHTSA, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety.

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Likely awarded 'Top Safety Pick' for the 2008 model year, a common achievement for this generation.