Two problems related to trunk wiring have been reported for the 2008 Mercedes Benz C300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Cars automated warning system indicated problems with right rear lighting system ("check right rear turn signal etc"). Took car to mechanic. There had been a short in the right rear electrical system. . . Plastic circuit box exhibited signs of a short and melted plastic. Mechanic replaced wiring, circuit box and lights. Could very easily have had a fire in the trunk of the car.
Randomly I started receiving check bulb messages for the rear lights on both sides of my car. I didnt think much of it as I dont think they had ever been changed so I changed them and all was fine and then a few weeks later the messages started to pop up again. I rechecked the bulbs to make sure they were securely in place and they were so I started doing a little research and discovered that this was a known issue. Presently the entire left rear side is out and it looks like the wiring has overheated and been singed (looks like it had burned). When calling all the local southern cali dealerships (orange county/long beach) none of them will admit to it being a widespread problem and fixing it for free because the parent company, Mercedes Benz, hasnt yet. I have no desire to pay for a problem that should have never occurred in the first place. My major concern is about potential fires in the trunk due to this. All it will take is one spark to catch on something in the trunk and then well car is on fire. As much a Mercedes Benz claims to be about safety, I'm shocked, one at the design flaw and two that they are going through the motions of pretending like the thousands of owners who have reported this are making it up. They need to get on this ASAP.