๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: C-Class Year: 2008 Codes Chassis Code: W204 ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Entry-level luxury compact executive sedan/coupe/estate. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37. Key Features Design: Modern styling, sophisticated interior, advanced engineering. Brand Heritage: Represents Mercedes-Benz's long-standing reputation for quality, safety, and innovation. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Owner's Information and Operation Secondary Coverage: Basic Maintenance, Safety, and System Overviews Page Count Estimated Pages: 300-450 (Typical for this model year and type) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine operation, starting, driving, fuel system overview. Chassis: Braking system overview, steering system overview. Electrical: Instrument cluster, lighting, basic electronic features. Comfort And Convenience: HVAC system, audio system, COMAND infotainment (basic operation), seat adjustments, power features. Safety Systems: Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (ISOFIX/LATCH), ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) overview. Procedures Included Pre Driving: Checks and adjustments, fluid level checks (general guidance), tire pressure checks. Driving: Starting the engine, shifting gears, parking, driving aids. Maintenance: Basic owner maintenance tasks (e.g., checking fluids, tire pressure), cleaning and care instructions. Emergency: Emergency procedures, breakdown assistance, first aid kit location (if equipped), warning lamps. Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level operation, basic checks, and safety information. Does not include detailed diagnostic or repair procedures. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, digitally rendered for clarity and readability. Binding Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Type: N/A (Digital Download) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M271 (Common for C200 CGI, C250 CGI) Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, direct injection (CGI). Displacement: 1.8 Liters (1796 cc) Power Output Hp: Approx. 184 hp @ 5500 rpm (C200 CGI), 204 hp @ 5500 rpm (C250 CGI) Torque Output Lb-Ft: Approx. 200 lb-ft @ 2800-4300 rpm (C200 CGI), 221 lb-ft @ 2900-4200 rpm (C250 CGI) Fuel System Type: Direct Injection (CGI - Charged Gasoline Injection) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended) Other Engines Available Engine Options: C300 (M272 V6 3.0L), C350 (M272 V6 3.5L), C63 AMG (M156 V8 6.2L) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC) Optional Transmission Type: 6-speed manual (less common in some markets) Features Driving Modes: Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes. Fluid Specifications Fluid Type: MB 236.14 (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ATF 722.9) ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4591 mm (180.7 in) Width: Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in) Height: Approx. 1447 mm (57.0 in) Wheelbase: Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs) depending on configuration. Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 450 liters (15.9 cu ft) for sedan. ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings IIHS Rating: Good (Likely 'Top Safety Pick' or equivalent for its year, pending specific test results). NHTSA Rating: Likely 5-star for frontal and side impact (as per typical Mercedes-Benz standards). Active Features Active Safety: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control). Passive Features Passive Safety: Front and side airbags, window airbags, pre-tensioning seat belts, NECK-PRO head restraints. Optional Features Driver Assistance: Optional: DISTRONIC (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC (Parking Assist), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist (availability varies by market and trim). ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, with optional navigation. Basic audio controls, CD player, and auxiliary input. Voice Recognition: Linguatronic voice control system (optional). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise control, speed limiter, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, parking sensors (PARKTRONIC) available as options. Connectivity Connectivity Options: Bluetooth telephony preparation, optional Media Interface for iPod/USB connection. ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals Major Service: Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year for oil changes. More comprehensive inspections and fluid replacements (e.g., transmission, brake fluid) at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000-50,000 miles), as detailed in the complete service manual (not this owner's manual). Minor Service: Oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or 1 year. Cabin filter and engine air filter replacement typically every 20,000-30,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-40). Refer to specific engine for exact viscosity. Coolant: MB 325.0 (Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, e.g., Mercedes-Benz Blue Coolant) Brake Fluid: DOT 4 PLUS (or MB 331.0) Known Issues Common Problems: Water pump leaks (especially on V6 engines), oil cooler seals, sensor failures (e.g., camshaft position sensor), early generation 7G-TRONIC transmission control module issues, rust on wheel arches and door bottoms. Maintenance Focus: Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent common issues. Owner's manual will guide on basic checks to mitigate potential problems. ๐ Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage Summary: Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is a globally recognized manufacturer of luxury vehicles, known for pioneering safety and engineering innovations since...
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3500 lbs) depending on configuration.
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 450 liters (15.9 cu ft) for sedan.
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
IIHS Rating:
Good (Likely 'Top Safety Pick' or equivalent for its year, pending specific test results).
NHTSA Rating:
Likely 5-star for frontal and side impact (as per typical Mercedes-Benz standards).
Active Features
Active Safety:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), BAS (Brake Assist System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR (Acceleration Skid Control).
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Front and side airbags, window airbags, pre-tensioning seat belts, NECK-PRO head restraints.
Optional Features
Driver Assistance:
Optional: DISTRONIC (Adaptive Cruise Control), PARKTRONIC (Parking Assist), Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist (availability varies by market and trim).
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation) system, with optional navigation. Basic audio controls, CD player, and auxiliary input.
Voice Recognition:
Linguatronic voice control system (optional).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, speed limiter, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, parking sensors (PARKTRONIC) available as options.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth telephony preparation, optional Media Interface for iPod/USB connection.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Major Service:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 1 year for oil changes. More comprehensive inspections and fluid replacements (e.g., transmission, brake fluid) at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 30,000-50,000 miles), as detailed in the complete service manual (not this owner's manual).
Minor Service:
Oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or 1 year. Cabin filter and engine air filter replacement typically every 20,000-30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30, Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-40). Refer to specific engine for exact viscosity.
Coolant:
MB 325.0 (Approved Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, e.g., Mercedes-Benz Blue Coolant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 PLUS (or MB 331.0)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Water pump leaks (especially on V6 engines), oil cooler seals, sensor failures (e.g., camshaft position sensor), early generation 7G-TRONIC transmission control module issues, rust on wheel arches and door bottoms.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent common issues. Owner's manual will guide on basic checks to mitigate potential problems.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Summary:
Mercedes-Benz, founded in 1926, is a globally recognized manufacturer of luxury vehicles, known for pioneering safety and engineering innovations since its inception.
Model Evolution
Generation:
The 2008 model year marks the introduction of the third generation (W204) C-Class, a significant redesign from the previous W203.
Design Philosophy:
The W204 adopted a more aggressive, sportier design language, moving away from the rounded styling of its predecessor, inspired by models like the CLS and SLR McLaren.
Production
Production Period:
2007-2014 (for the W204 generation).
Production Locations
Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany; also produced in other international facilities.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
The W204 C-Class generation received numerous accolades for its design, safety, and driving dynamics from various automotive publications and organizations worldwide during its production run.
Ratings
Performance Ratings:
Consistently praised for ride comfort, handling balance, and engine refinement in its class.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Meets all required automotive safety certifications for the markets it was sold in (e.g., ECE, DOT).