TheBestOrNothin

The torque figure in the 250 bluetec is just phenomenal
lucky if you can get your hands on one of them

on the other hand...the direct injection in the 3.5L V6 makes it sound like a diesel engine

WhistlesGoWoo

The GLK I was able to test drive here was obviously a 350 and I did like how the engine sounded. Would have no problems owning a 350- but I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of the horsepower to get the supposed amazing mileage. Also for me it is more of a zero-guilt vehicle, get the size we need now and improve our footprint at the same time is going to feel great!

ashwats

Saw one GLK 250 BLUETEC on pedestal at the Washington DC auto show. So it's here guys!!!

WhistlesGoWoo

Ours is apparently on the boat - guess we will have to wait until it is "released" to pick it up though. Also hoping the new B10 mandate in Minnesota does not go into effect April 1st because that fuel would void the warranty on a brand new car.

ashwats

Congrats.
Is it priced lower than 350?
What is that B10 mandate? Similar stuff going on other states too?

Bob338

As most diesels, it's about $1500 HIGHER than the 350. Exact number hadn't been released at the time I checked last. It's the same as all GLK350's on all equipment except for that surcharge for diesel and BlueTec attachments.

ashwats

Thought might be lower like in Canada
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content/canada/mpc/mpc_canada_website/en/home_mpc/passengercars/home/new_cars/models/glk-class/_x204/configurator/configurator_x204.html?tp_ccci=/dsc_ca/globalsessionid/DSC_ca692D61633F37612FFF666167075B0300/dsc_locale/en_CA/appId/DSC_ca/siteLocale/en_CA/P3501ViewBean.jam1%3bjsessionid=0000MGPg8FObzI3S5s UK4_ViME1:16pcrf94u#motorisation_tag

250 is $1400 less

WhistlesGoWoo

Yes Canadian 250 is priced lower, and most sources are hinting at the price coming in just under a 350 4matic here in the U.S. The Canadian GLK's are equipped a bit differently than the U.S. ones so we will have to wait and see.

As for B10- Its a type of fuel that has 10% biodiesel and 90% ULSD. Some states give tax credits for selling anything over B10 (i.e. Illinois has no tax on B11-B20 for instance, and it is the most widely available diesel fuel in that state, you can however get B5 if you look hard enough since it is not a mandate). Here in Minnesota we were the first state to mandate B5 (cannot sell diesel less than that % of biodiesel except for certain vehicles, mostly single use commercial machines not passenger cars/trucks). The mandate was singed into law to be progressive, increasing to B10 in 2012 (was held back to 2013) and B20 by 2015.

The reason this is somewhat troubling for people interested in diesel passenger cars (or owners of under-warranty existing cars) is that MB (as well as VW, audi, BMW) only warranty their engines to use B5 or below. Essentially they will not void your warranty straight out as some have suggested just from using B5+, but they will not fix anything that can be attributed to fuel issues (DPF, engine failure etc..) if they prove (or know) that you used a non-approved fuel.

Basically biodiesel has some advantages and some disadvantages, it does increase fuel lubricity which is sometimes an issue for pure petroleum based ULSD (the sulfur they took out was one of the lubricating components of old diesel fuel). However in greater concentrations (i.e. B10+, or B20) it can cause a bit of havoc with the emissions system- the DPF (diesel particulate filter) because of how that filter is cleaned (regenerated).

During a regeneration cycle fuel is injected into the cylinder on the exhaust stroke so that a small amount of un-burned fuel reaches the DPF, ignites because of the heat, and cleans away soot and build up on the unit. The problem arises because biodiesel does not atomize in the same way ULSD does. That un-atomized fuel can coat the cylinder walls and eventually make its way into your oil, sometimes diluting it. (some have reported no problems using B5-B20, however VW did a test- it was thought to be running the regeneration cycle full time - that ended up after 10k or so miles with engine oil that was 50% diluted) Also biodiesel exhaust is hotter than ULSD, that can cause a problem with the DPF directly.

Basically we don't want to drive off the lot and have problems with this vehicle because the only fuel available is non-compliant. Talked with the dealership they said they are working on a solution I guess we will know more when we go to pick the car up in april when it is finally released.

Mek

Hello, been following this forum for a while.

Just got a call from the dealer.

My 250 built in January is scheduled for arrival at the dealer end of February. About 2 months earlier than expected.


The pricing in canada is 1500$ below the 350. Main difference being the appearance package is optionnal (19 in wheels instead of 20, a couple of chrome here and there) not a big deal. Otherwise same equipment.

ashwats

Thanks WhistlesGoWoo for that diesel explanation / insight. Definitely something to think about, or at least check with dealer to make sure they are selling 250s that can be driven around without voiding the warranty

EVTee

Would love to take the small diesel for a test drive. Wonder when there will be one available in the Vancouver area to take it for a spin.

HotRodW

New to the forum. I seriously considered waiting for the diesel myself before making a purchase last fall. Awesome torque with what should be stellar fuel economy. And while some are turned off by the GLK's looks, I actually think it looks great. But I have a feeling the diesels will be hard to find here in the US for a while, and dealer discounts will be even harder to find. I'm hoping I'm wrong, because my X1's fuel economy has been a big fat disappointment thus far. It's a fun car though. Too bad BMW doesn't offer a diesel option in the X1 for us.

WhistlesGoWoo

I know the one we ordered was the only GLK 250 bluetec on the upcoming order sheet that they had, and we didn't get a great discount because they were not getting that many of these cars.

Gt. Dane

Mek - i recall reading in an earlier post that MB can give you a tracking number so you can follow your car. I think it was a Calgary poster that was keeping us up to date on the progress of his car. Did they give you a way to track yours?

Mek

Nope, did not get and did not ask. The info is from the sales guy. For info, the vehicule was a pre order in early Oct.

BudC

I have a GLK on order, my third Mercedes with this salesman. He sent me an email today with the name of the boat and the expected arrival date at Long Beach. Ask you salesman for this Info, he should get it for you.

With the name of the boat you can track your car all the way to the port. However, you cannot track the boat when it's a certain distance off shore and obviously not in mid-Atlantic.

Go to http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/ to track your ship.

WhistlesGoWoo

From what I understood there were going to be quite a few 250's in the U.S. by now (mine should be in baltimore by now). They apparently have to wait for MB to "launch" the vehicle here. Maybe they are still working out final MSRP's etc...or waiting on final emissions estimates.

kenobee

Just got confirmation from the dealer that the 2 they ordered, one of which I could potentially modify, have been pushed back until end of may/early June after the "official" launch.
quoted me around $800 for the remote start incorporated into the panic button the Smart key and around $1000 over invoice once the actual price is listed.

cookstar

bluetec system actually gets worse fuel economy than none bluetec....

how do I know? because I owned a 08 Gl320 without bluetec... than in 09 or 10 the blutec got added and fuel economy dropped

houseofdiesel

Stopped in at a smaller dealer this week, they figure September before they see stock, maybe they have sold their stock up to that point not sure but they had very little knowledge or info on them, but yes the diesel is decontented vs the gas model hence lower msrp in canada. It has a different front end and drag co rating too.

I was really turned off by the poor build quality of the new gas models on display, lots of huge panel gaps around the hood and front fenders, fish eyes in the paint in places. The front fender peaks around the headlights protrude a bit and will collect lots of damage/sand blasting etc and look terrible in a few years. I am waiting to here actual fuel consumption results and reliability...

WhistlesGoWoo

This was information from a non-official source - but it listed the U.S. MSRP for the 250 bluetec at $39,295. (it only comes in 4matic, so its $700 less than the 350 4matic).

kenobee

The thing that got me was how heavy the doors are. Then again, I am coming from a Camry

HotRodW

My local MB dealership advised me today that production of US GLK 250's begins on March 9. They are currently taking orders, and they're expecting deliveries to begin sometime in early summer. I'm still awaiting pricing info.

WhistlesGoWoo

Looks like the launch date has been moved back. We were initially told to expect delivery in early April. Car is built and waiting apparently. But now Car and Driver is saying may.

Gt. Dane

My Sales Manager just called. My diesel has arrived on the dock in Halifax. Should be on their lot in a week or so. Release date some time in March.