Mercedes GLK class - series compact crossovers concern Mercedes Benz. Released from 2008 to 2015. In the 12th year, the model underwent a serious restyling, and in the 15th it was replaced by new model Mercedes GLC.
Basic maintenance of the GLK is carried out every 15t.km ( gasoline ICE) / 10 because ( diesel internal combustion engine) or once a year, whichever comes first.
GLK basic service includes replacement engine oil with oil filter, as well as the replacement of air and cabin filters + a comprehensive check of the condition of the car. On the plus side, every time the GLK is serviced, the vehicle must be asked for the ASSYST PLUS service code. After decryption in specialized Mercedes Benz software, you can understand the necessary list additional work– the Mercedes GLK on-board system, based on the control algorithms embedded in it, knows itself which car system needs to be paid attention to during the next GLK maintenance - be it a replacement brake fluid or antifreeze, automatic transmission oil and much more.
Mercedes GLK - is a modern and technically sophisticated car, attention should be paid to the maintenance of the GLK right from the first MOT. Then this wonderful crossover will delight you with trouble-free operation for many years and decently save the budget on breakdowns.
If you have a need for GLK maintenance, just call us and we will make an appointment for you at the earliest convenient time for you.
20.12.2016
The Mercedes GLK is the smallest crossover by Mercedes-Benz, which, in addition, has an atypical appearance for this brand. Most skeptics considered it too boxy on the outside and rustic on the inside, however, this did not affect the popularity of the car and sales. Despite its small age, cars of this brand are increasingly found on secondary market, this fact makes you very much doubt the reliability and practicality of the Mercedes GLK. But what exactly makes the owners part with their car so quickly, and what surprises the used GLK can present, now we’ll try to figure it out.
A bit of history:
The Mercedes GLK concept was first presented to the public in early 2008 at the Detroit auto show. Debut production model took place at the Beijing Motor Show in April of the same year, outwardly, the car practically did not differ from the concept. By body type, the Mercedes GLK is a crossover, the reference point for the creation of which was the C-class station wagon "Mercedes-Benz S204". When developing appearance new items, the model "", which has been produced since 2006, was taken as the basis. The technical filling is borrowed from the C-Class, for example, the 4 Matic all-wheel drive system without a locking differential, the alternative of which is the rear-wheel drive model. This model is offered in two versions, one of which is designed for off-road enthusiasts: in this case, the car has an increased ground clearance, 17-inch wheels and a special package of options. In 2012, a restyled version of the car was presented at the New York Auto Show. The novelty received a retouched exterior and interior, as well as upgraded engines.
Weaknesses of the Mercedes GLK with mileage
Mercedes GLK is equipped with the following power units - petrol 2.0 (184, 211 hp), 3.0 (231 hp), 3.5 (272, 306 hp); diesel 2.1 (143, 170 and 204 hp), 3.0 (224, 265 hp). As operating experience has shown, the base engine turned out to be the most unsuccessful engine in terms of reliability. power unit volume 2.0. So, in particular, on cars even with low mileage, many owners began to be bothered by a knock from under the hood during the start of a cold engine. The reason for this knock is a defective camshaft, or rather, its not entirely correct location. Therefore, before buying, be sure to check whether this problem was fixed under warranty. Also, the cause of extraneous noise when starting the engine can be an extended timing chain.
One of the most common disadvantages gasoline engines volume 3.0 is the burnout of the intake manifold flaps. The complexity of this problem is that the dampers are an integral part of the intake manifold, and you cannot buy them separately, therefore, the manifold has to be changed entirely. Signals about the presence of this problem will be: floating speed, weak dynamic performance of the engine. If the dampers start to burn out, you need to urgently contact the service, otherwise, over time, they will come off and get into the engine, which will lead to costly repairs. Also, after 100,000 km, the timing chain stretches, and the intermediate gears of the balancing shaft wear out.
The 3.5 engine is perhaps one of the most reliable gasoline engines, but due to the high vehicle tax, this power unit is not very popular among motorists. One of the disadvantages of this unit is the fragility of the chain tensioner and gas distribution sprockets, their resource, on average, is 80-100 km. A diesel rumble and a metallic ringing when starting a cold engine will serve as a signal of the need for an urgent replacement.
Mercedes GLK diesel engines are quite reliable and rarely present unpleasant surprises to their owners, especially on cars of the first years of production, but only if high-quality fuels and lubricants. If the previous owner refueled the car with low-quality diesel fuel, then, soon, you need to be ready to change fuel injectors and injection pump. Due to the accumulation of soot, the damper servo drive may fail. exhaust manifold. Also, some owners note failures in electronic management engine. On vehicles with a mileage of over 100,000 km, there may be problems with the pump (leak, play or even whistle during operation). On a 3.0 engine with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, you may encounter the destruction of the exhaust manifold and the subsequent destruction of the turbine.
Transmission
The Mercedes GLK was supplied to the CIS market with six- and seven-speed automatic transmission(Jetronic). Most of these vehicles in the secondary market are offered with all-wheel drive, but rear wheel drive vehicles also meet. Transmission reliability directly depends on power installed engine and driving style, and the higher the engine power, the less the resource of the gearbox. It is very important to inspect the box, transfer case and gearbox for oil leakage before buying. If during slow acceleration, or during deceleration, you feel that the automatic transmission is pushing at least a little, then it is better to refuse to buy this instance. Most often, the cause of this behavior of the box is a failed electronic board of the automatic transmission control unit. Also, this may occur due to wear of the valve body and torque converter.
With careful operation, the box, on average, will last 200-250 thousand km. In order to extend the transmission service lines, servicemen recommend changing the oil in the box every 60-80 thousand km. The all-wheel drive system cannot be called very gentle, but, nevertheless, we must not forget that this is a crossover, and not a full-fledged SUV, and, for serious loads, it is not designed. One of the common drawbacks of the 4Matic 4WD transmission is the outboard bearing of the driveshaft, which is located in the crankcase. During operation, dirt gets on the bearing from under the wheels, which provokes the formation of corrosion. As a result, the bearing wedges and turns. To avoid serious consequences, many mechanics recommend changing the bearing along with the oil.
Reliability suspension Mercedes GLK with mileage
This model is fully equipped independent suspension: MacPherson strut in front and monolever in back. Mercedes-Benz has always been famous for its well-tuned suspension and, GLK is no exception, the car has excellent performance characteristics. Unfortunately, the suspension of this car cannot be called “indestructible”, since the chassis, as for a crossover, is very gentle and does not like driving on broken roads. And, if the previous owner liked to knead the dirt, overhaul running gear will not keep you waiting long.
Traditionally for modern cars, most often it is necessary to replace the stabilizer struts, somewhere every 30-40 thousand km. The silent blocks of levers also live not much longer, on average, 50-60 thousand km. The resource of shock absorbers, levers, ball bearings, wheel and thrust bearings does not exceed 100,000 km. Life time brake system directly depends on the driving style, on average, the front brake pads you have to change every 35-45 thousand km, rear - 40-50 thousand km. Before restyling, the car was equipped with power steering, after - electric, as operating experience has shown, most often bothers the owners of the rail with hydromechanical power steering (wear of the rack bushing, leakage of power steering fluid).
Salon
As befits Mercedes-Benz cars, most interior trim materials of the Mercedes GLK are sufficient good quality. But, despite this, on many copies, the leather upholstery of the seats quickly rubbed and cracked, fortunately, the manufacturer changed everything under warranty. The interior heater motor is located before the filter, which, as a result, leads to rapid contamination and premature exit out of service. An unpleasant whistle during the operation of the ventilation system will serve as a signal about the need for an early replacement of the motor. Quite often, owners blame the failure of the rear and side parking sensors. Also, there are comments on the reliability of the tailgate electric drive.
Outcome:
One of the main advantages of the Mercedes GLK is that, often, girls own this car, and they are known to be more careful on the road and more scrupulous about the care and maintenance of the car. As a rule, the owners of this brand of car are wealthy people, which means that the car was serviced only in a good service, therefore, cars in perfect condition very often come across in the secondary market, you just need to look carefully. To avoid serious problems and costly repairs, try to avoid cars with the most powerful engines.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.
Sincerely, editorial Autoavenue
Issued Mercedes-Benz GLK since 2008 in Germany, more than 700,000 of these vehicles have been created during this time. About 30,000 cars of this model were sent to Russia.
The body is perfectly protected from corrosion, despite the fact that the body shape of this car is square and attracts stones from the road. The entire front of these cars has been sandblasted. The windshield becomes very worn and worn out after a couple of years of active operation. New original windshield costs 400 euros, but you can take an analogue of European production for 250.
The paintwork is really durable, high-quality metal and galvanic protection, so if corrosion appears on the body, this is a sign of incorrect and poor-quality garage repairs. But things are not so good with decorative elements on the body: white spots appear on aluminum rails after 3 years, window trims and door handles peel off after about 5 years of operation, chrome does not look so presentable on the radiator grill, but on the pipes exhaust system small traces of rust are also visible.
Salon
The interior of the GLK is very similar to that of the C-Class in the back of the W204. The interior also has its drawbacks. It happens that there is a signal that the airbags are faulty, the contacts on the front seats are to blame. If you adjust the chair sharply forward, and then sharply back, then the contact in the wiring may be broken. It happened quite often that the dealers changed the connectors under warranty. The car has a passenger restraint system, which combines seat belt pretensioners and airbags. Sometimes there were cases that this system worked by itself, because the system control unit malfunctioned. On this occasion, there was even a revocable company for cars manufactured before 2009.
In Mercedes GLK, released before restyling in 2012, it is desirable that the seats be trimmed with fabric, because the eco-leather that came in the basic trim levels begins to peel off after a fairly short period of time, and when severe frosts after 3 years of operation may crack. In addition, the passenger presence sensor may fail, in order to change it, you will have to install a new seat cushion, it costs 300 euros.
No squeaks were found in the cabin, but the interior handles will be fastened on almost all cars. Sometimes in winter there are failures in the mechanisms of the tailgate and electric mirrors, if they are not replaced under warranty, it will be very expensive. Rear parking sensors are also often buggy. Sometimes it happens that on cars manufactured before 2010 there were problems with the glass washer system - the tanks were leaking, and the liquid heating electrics were out of order. A new tank costs $60.
Motors
Gasoline engines are generally reliable, easily lasting 400,000 km, while diesel engines are even more durable. But they still need to be monitored and properly maintained. The 2.1-liter OM 651 diesel engine is considered the most popular; it is installed on about half of all GLKs. This motor is reliable, it is also installed on Mercedes Sprinter vans. The design of the motor is simple, the cylinder block is made of cast iron, and the block head is light alloy. Power - 143 liters. with., the engine uses one turbocharger.
But there was a period when piezoelectric nozzles from Delphi were used in the motor, and they spoiled the reputation of the motor. Because of them, the car could lose power while driving and could stall, went into emergency mode. This problem was widespread, so in 2011, on cars 220 CDI and 250 CDI, the design of the motor was finalized and electromagnetic nozzles were installed instead of piezoelectric nozzles, each of which costs 400 euros.
For cars that were produced before 2011, the manufacturer arranged a service campaign in which they improved fuel system, changed the firmware electronic block motor control. You can also do this procedure as a preventive measure so that the nozzles do not turn sour in their places.
After all these upgrades, the nozzles have ceased to strain the owners of these cars. It is enough only every 120,000 km. see if everything is in order with the water pump, if it is leaking. And on a run of 150,000, you need to start listening to see if the timing chain has stretched. A new original chain costs 300 euros, an analogue can be taken for 200. But changing the chain is not so easy, because it is located at the rear of the motor. But in most cases, the first thing that weakens is not the chain, but its tensioner or damper. It is not worth delaying the repair, and if extraneous knocks are detected, it is better to immediately change the chain and related parts.
And when the car's mileage has exceeded 200,000 km, it is advisable to clean the particulate filter, because if it is clogged, the collector will begin to overheat and collapse, and its fragments can injure the turbine blades. The same situation may apply to the rarer 3-liter OM 642 diesel engine. There are times when the engine goes into emergency mode, in which the speed does not exceed 3000 rpm, which means too much oil got into the turbine. As for the rest, if you follow the motor and do not allow it to particulate filter clogged, it will last a long time.
On both diesel engines, care must be taken not to clog the EGR valve, which costs 160 euros. And after 180,000 km. may start to act up the damper actuator for changing the length of the intake manifold. On cars manufactured before 2010, there were unreliable gaskets in oil cooler, then these gaskets were replaced with more heat-resistant ones.
As for gasoline engines, they may also have a heat exchanger leak, and worn intake manifold flaps begin to play after 120,000 km. run. A new manifold assembly costs more than 1000 euros. This applies to gasoline engines of the M 272 series with a volume of 3 and 3.5 liters. There are still cases that at 80,000 km. the plastic cylinder head plugs may leak, and the phase shifter clutch sprockets may need to be replaced. They are not cheap - 500 euros.
When buying a car, you need to listen carefully to see if anything rumbles in the back of the motor, you also need to ask the owner if the motor was repaired under warranty. The fact is that on the GLK, which were produced in the early years, there was a problem with the balance shaft drive. Already at 100,000 km. the teeth could wear out so badly that even the valve timing shifted. Because of this, diesel noise appears in the engine, and power is reduced. To change the sprocket and shaft, you will have to remove and disassemble the motor, and this is not easy. On younger cars, upgraded motors have already begun to be installed, but they are not immune from such a problem after 200,000 km. But until this run, the motor chain will be all right.
Gasoline engines of the M272 series are quite reliable, they use an aluminum cylinder block, a balance shaft in the collapse of the cylinders, a system for changing the valve timing on the camshafts. These motors have become more reliable after 2008, because a lot of things have changed in the design. You also need to understand that M272 motors love only quality oil, fuel and timely replacement of filters. To make the cylinder walls stronger, these motors use alusil. In Europe, this coating does not cause any problems, because there is high-quality fuel. But this coating will suffer greatly if grains of sand or soot get there.
After restyling, more complex 3.5-liter engines of the M276 series and 2-liter turbocharged engines M274 began to be installed in the GLC. These engines run on gasoline, with direct injection, which is characterized by such problems as the failure of the injection pump, piezo injectors, and deposits on the intake valves still appear. On the M274 engine, the turbocharger was often changed under warranty, the timing was repaired: the chains and camshaft couplings were changed. And if knocks and crackles are heard during the start of the engine, then the hydraulic tensioners, which cost about 100 euros, are to blame.
In Russia, it is difficult to find the most reliable configurations of the GLK 200 CDI and 220 CDI, in which diesel engine, there is rear drive, 6-speed mechanical box. But there are times when such cars are brought from Europe.
4Matic all-wheel drive transmissions in the GLC are the same as in other models of the Mercedes brand. cardan shafts serve for a long time, the torque is distributed in a ratio of 45:55, rear axle have more torque. The oldest cars had an insufficiently reliable transfer case, already after 80,000 km. the chain could be broken. But then this situation was corrected and the razdatka began to serve without problems up to 200,000 km. Then the seals at the shank of the front cardan are already starting to flow. When the bearings on the shafts are worn out and hum and vibration appear during turns, this means that it is time to make repairs, if it is not done, then transfer box the end will come.
There is another transmission that appeared back in 2004 - 7G-Tronic, mechanically it is quite good. The advantages of this box are that there is a high-speed 7th gear, and also there is a special torque converter clutch lock-up control, this allowed the clutches to slip at low speed even in 1st gear. The box turned out to be nimble, but the reliability leaves much to be desired. If you often drive through city traffic jams, the clutches will wear out faster and wear products will quickly contaminate the oil in the box. Therefore, after about 80,000 km. on older cars, the torque converter failed.
The box was improved several times and on cars manufactured in 2010-2011, the torque converter began to serve 2 times longer. Box twitches appear no earlier than after 150,000 km. In general, in order for the gearbox to last longer, you just need to remember to change the oil in it every 50,000 km., Then everything will be fine.
If on a car released before restyling, the box suddenly switches from “drive” to “parking” mode, this does not mean that the problem is in the box, there may be a reason in the EZS ignition switch, which stops seeing the key. Very often this ignition lock was changed under warranty, but it costs a lot - 530 euros.
But after 2012, an upgraded 7G-Tronic Plus (Nag2-FE +) box appeared. It can be distinguished by the presence of an Eco button on the console, and a start-stop system has also appeared. According to the regulations, the oil in it must be changed every 125,000 km. This box has an additional oil pump installed, also here is a different range gear ratios, uses a stronger torque converter, boxed operating pressure became less because a thinner oil is used.
Suspension
In general, the suspension in the GLK is quite strong, but there are still some nuances, especially on pre-styling cars. Cars manufactured before 2010 were recalled because they could have had a power steering depressurization due to a weak hose in the system. As for the rack mechanism itself, it starts to flow after 160,000 km. In post-styling cars, this problem has already been solved, because they do not have a hydraulic booster, but there is an electric booster, but when knocks appear in the rail, of course, this will not be soon, then repairs will cost more.
Initially, a lot of trouble was delivered by the front shock absorbers, which cost quite a lot of money - about 350 euros. The thing is that these are not simple shock absorbers, they have a passive Agility Control resistance change system, under warranty, many of these shock absorbers were changed after 50,000 km. But you can not rack your brains and put the usual similar shock absorbers for 100 euros. You can also put on improved branded shock absorbers that last about 100,000 km, the rear ones can even last 200,000 km, but they cost more - about 200 euros.
