dbr9tifosi

So, after 12 years of owning a 2002 Audi A4 I am leaning towards buying a GLK 350. Before diving in 100% I would like to hear from current owners the pros/cons of owning a GLK. How well does it ride/handle? Common problems? Reliability? etc.

Danke..

chglk

I've owned my 2012 GLK350 4matic since new (2.5 yrs) and it has performed expertly in all tasks asked of it. I live in the mountains where we average 128 inches of snow annually and my Range Rover was getting near the end of its run (1990). So I research thoroughly and it came to down to the GLK or an Audi Q5. The Audi cost more and had a 2.o turbo engine; which is not to say its bad, but just not up to the measure of the MB V6. Plus the MB had a 7-speed tiptronic box, better appointed, more luxurious feel, etc. After testing them both, the MB won hands down. I've got 30k on it now it has been absolutely flawless in rain, snow, sleet, slush, and heat(summer). Liked it so much we bought a C sedan AMG 4matic that I can't pry out of my wife's hands! We've had/have land rovers, audi and BMW, but the MB is IMHO the best. Try it, you'll like it.

rmfnla

We got our 2011 GLK new as well and I just love it!

Ours is 2WD but has almost all the options available, and that makes it a nice ride.

Plenty of power, handles great, and not too bad on gas.

Great in town (Los Angeles), great on the road, and our boxer loves the visiblity.

Brakes wore out kinda fast (pads & rotors @ 22.5 K miles) but other than a couple of bulbs replaced no problems to speak of.

Great car...

Wankafella

Been driving the 2010 GLK since it first came out. Got the 4matic. Comfort is quite good, though the seats are not the most comfortable especially for long trips. The engine is definitely powerful enough, even if you have a heavy foot :P I have to agree with rmfnla about the breaks. I'm at 110k KM and I might have to replace the pads again for the second time. They can squeak quite a bit. Over the years, I have been averaging about 12l/100km, which is ~19mpg? I do drive about 70% highway, 30% city. I don't think that's too great. Other than that, everything else is pretty good with the GLK. Good visibility, good handling for an SUV, and only a few minor issues with the transmission that were covered with the warranty.

el_do33

We got 2011 GLK brand new. It has about 55k now and with standard services, it hasn't had any big issues. Majority of services are done by European garage vs dealership due to overprice cost.

it's so good that we just got a 2013 CPO one with has a major cosmetic external and internally. It has full options and it's a MUCH BETTER RIDE than the 2011 thus far.
The HP with new engine definately a big improvement plus the gas mileages is good.

If you're looking, i suggest 2013+ even with CPO because it saves a lot of money.

hanscan

Ja bitte
the best or nothing.
just traded my 2010 350-4matic for 2014 the same with panorama sunroof.
there was one problem, at 120 km and up the upper windshield seal
lifted and howled like a fright train. MB fixed and all is good.
Viel spass und fahrvergnuegen.

shotgun_banjo

Got mine brand new since 2011 before she was replaced by a ML. Hands down the best compact suv you can get. There where some quirks that was corrected during my ownership but it was the perfect size for the city and 2-3 person + cargo. Buy a facelifted version just to get the new engine or go with a diesel version.

MBKLUE

I expected a big difference in ride comfort going from my "summer" 20 inch wheels/summer tires (35 psi front and 38 psi rear) to the 17 inch wheels with winter tires (33 psi all around). Can't say I noticed a huge difference. A bit disappointed about that.

Also, I somehow feel my old Saab was better in the snow. It felt more under control and easier to handle. This is a 2014 GLK 350 4Matic with dedicated snow tires on 17 inch rims and properly inflated. It doesn't feel scary but the Saab gave me more confidence. Not sure why. Maybe the higher center of gravity, greater weight, greater width, lighter steering and "excessive" power of GLK are part of it. I would have preferred 250hp (instead of 302) with better fuel mileage. Anyway, it seems to lose traction a bit easy on acceleration out of a turn on the snow and that's in economy mode, not sport. Maybe has something to do with the electronic throttle too. I would think the 250 turbo diesel might be even a bit more "difficult" with all the torque you get.

Other than that I'm pretty happy with the vehicle after 1.5 years from new. Still miss the Saab though and it wasn't even a "proper" one (1994 NG900 with GM v6).

mjhawkins2346

I have a (now older) 2010 350 4Matic with Premium1 and MultiMedia (Nav, Satellite, backup camera, iphone connectivity, memory card, etc), Towing, 20" tires, running boards and probably a few other things I can't think of.
It has been completely trouble free during my time in the saddle - from a little over 50,000 to now nearly 78,000 miles on it.
I like the features, comfort and performance. It shrugs off all weather and it's fun to drive.
Might get diesel next time to get the mileage and torque that comes with oil burners. I just don't get the envious stares I got driving an E Class or an S but I can easily do without...

bugelrex

Definitely 'blends' in a little better, does not 'stick' out as a MB

Killervette

I have a 2014 glk 350. My wife and I are very pleased. We had a 2010 Range Rover sport and a 2012 Ford Explorer prior to this. Zero problems with it after 7000 miles. Engine is more than adequate for merging and passing. Quiet ride and good handling.

panoff

Just bought a 2012 RWD GLK 350. When going over big bumps, the cabin resonates like the inside of a drum - anyone else experience anything like that?

NYCGLK

I've had mine for almost 6 years, and it's very well built and has been trouble free. I have a fun car, so GLK is more of DD/utility car. It still feels tight and solid. The engine has good torque at low rpms, which makes it peppy around town. Maintenance is pretty simple except for the tranny fluid flsuh. Even at a dealer it's 300-400 bux a year, if you don't go for the BS things they say you need.

But I think I will go back to car, when time comes. For long drives it's quite tiresome. If roads are less than perfect, here is a lot of swaying due to sitting higher. And forget about any fun driving on back roads, it's not really made for that kind of fun.