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2008 Mercedes-Benz C350

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 is a popular luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance and comfort. The C350 is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available include a 1.8L inline-4 cylinder engine, a 3.0L V6 engine, and a 6.2L V8 engine. All engine options are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the car’s smooth ride, responsive handling, and luxurious interior. However, some common complaints include electrical issues, engine component failures, and higher-than-average maintenance costs.

Engine

3.5L V6

  • Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, reduced engine power, and camshaft position sensor codes.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft adjuster solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve cover, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Filter Housing Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the oil filter housing, visible oil pooling, and low oil level.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket or the entire oil filter housing if cracked.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

7-Speed Automatic (7G-Tronic)

  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at lower speeds, slipping between gears, and transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, erratic shifting behavior, getting stuck in gear, and transmission fault codes.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Conductor Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in limp mode, inability to shift gears, and transmission fault codes related to speed sensors.
    • Solution: Replace the conductor plate inside the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, vague steering, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per arm
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Strut Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning noise from the suspension, especially when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps, and excessive suspension movement.
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Key not recognized, inability to start the car, and no response from the ignition switch.
    • Solution: Replace the EIS module and reprogram it to the vehicle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical malfunctions, such as lights not working, wipers malfunctioning, or issues with the central locking system.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty SAM module and reprogram it to the vehicle.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Car battery draining overnight or after a short period of inactivity, difficulty starting the car, and needing frequent jump starts.
    • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module or a wiring issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the cause (typically $100 - $500+ for diagnosis and repair)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, sticking, or making excessive noise. Water leaks around the sunroof.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism, clean and lubricate the tracks, and replace the sunroof seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Command System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Frozen screen, unresponsive buttons, issues with navigation, and audio problems.
    • Solution: Update the software, repair or replace the COMAND unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Conditioning Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold air, weak airflow, or strange noises from the AC compressor.
    • Solution: Recharge the refrigerant, repair or replace the AC compressor, condenser, or other components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350, while a desirable vehicle, does have its share of common issues. The engine and transmission issues, particularly related to the valve body and conductor plate of the 7G-Tronic transmission, can be costly to repair. Electrical problems, such as EIS and SAM failures, also contribute to the higher maintenance costs associated with this model. Suspension issues, while less severe, can impact the ride quality and handling of the vehicle. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a 2008 C350.

Mercedes-Benz, C350
Mercedes-Benz C350 2008
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