Check a VIN

2008 Mercedes Benz C300 engine problems

34 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
80,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
    1
  • Cooling system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mercedes Benz C300 engine problems in other years

20082009

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Won't start 111Engine failure 10Stalling 8Check engine light 6Overheating 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Engine · 110,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle slowed down independently and lost automotive power. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the intersection while awaiting tow services. The contact stated that her boyfriend and son helped to push the vehicle to the right side of the roadway. The contact smelled a burning odor but was unsure where the odor was coming from. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ECU was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V704000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Engine · 152,151 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an intake manifold failure. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,151.

Filed Dec 30, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MN

Camshaft adjuster solenoid leaked oil into wiring harness, caused vehicle to go into limp mode and not accelerate/shift gears. This is a known problem with the m272 engine, this vin did not show up on the recall list.

Filed Nov 7, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Car worked fine, all the sudden it wouldn't turn over, I would put the key in and turn it and nothing would happen, I was stuck and had to catch a ride, lucky that I was able, a car company that is supposedly reliable shouldn't allow there cars to completely give out on people during the middle of winter storms and not take ownership, when the customer has taken good care of the car. Talked to several mechanics and turned out it was the Electronic Steering Lock (ESL) module that had malfunctioned probably due to the software and electrical. Due to this only the Benz dealerships can repair, I had to tow it to a dealership and was charged around $2000 after haggling over the price. Terrible experience and should be recalled by MB, I have seen many complaints about this online and was very disappointed there wasn't a cheaper solution. Was both a safety issue, inconvenient and very costly.

Filed May 17, 2021 · Engine · FL

Error codes 1200 and 1208 regarding the lack of tension on the timing belt due to a worn sprocket. It was certified by two different Mercedes Benz mechanics with ample experience with these cars. Vehicle still runs but I was warned to stop it and fix it before it is a major problem.

Filed Feb 26, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · OH

This is the 2nd time this has happened. I turned the car off and came back out and it would not start. The front wheels were locked. The key went in and turned. The lights and power was there but, the car would not start. The front wheels were locked and so was the drive shifter. The first time the car was in a parking lot and my wife was left stranded. The second time was in out driveway. We came home to get something and when we went out it wouldn't start.

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 59,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c300. While the vehicle was parked, the contact opened the door and the interior lighting was not illuminated, the steering wheel was locked, the instrument cluster lighting was dim, the vehicle would not start, and the gear shifter would not engage. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (schumacher european, located at 18530 n scottsdale rd phoenix, az 85054) where it was diagnosed that the electronic ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and opened case number: 1-956218644. The failure mileage was 59,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 80,000 miles · TX

Check engine light came on after vehicle inspection I returned to the dealership. Mercedes benz houston-greenway plaza did cam shaft solenoid work cost $500. Roughly a week later I got stranded at work. I was able to take to get it to start again and took it to repair shop now its $1,346.29 for engine computer work.

Filed Jun 19, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · ID

Takata inflators recall SRS controls manufacturing error this auto should have never left the factory floor it has cost me considerable mental upset and money which I can not afford it parked unsafe to drive engine lite on mercedes should repair or rebuilt this auto I am a disable veteran and need my transportation. Mercedes should take the air bags out better there out than go off accidently

Filed Feb 22, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mercedes-benz c300. The contact stated that the vehicle started and shut off while in park. The failure did not occur while driving. The contact also smelled a fuel odor. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Questions about the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 engine

Does the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 have engine problems?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Mercedes Benz C300 have bad engine?

The Mercedes Benz C300 model years with the most engine complaints are 2008 (34 complaints) and 2009 (22 complaints).

Other 2008 Mercedes Benz C300 problems

Airbags 270Electrical 228Steering 136Lights 108Seat belts 22Brakes 17Driver assistance 17Transmission 16Suspension 12Body 9Acceleration 8Tires 5Seats 4Wheels 3Fuel system 2Locks 2Visibility 2

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2008 Mercedes Benz C300?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history