GLK350: Common problems?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
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From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
I have a GLK 350 with 500 miles on it, and today I believe the sun shade is now stopping short of the reciever slots by about 1/2 an inch so you can now see a black gap front and back. Is this the norm. Can other owners tell me if their cars are the same or does the shade go competely in. Thanks
Edit: On second thought, maybe you're talking about when the sunshade closes. In that case, it closes completely with no black gap. Sounds like your dealer may have to resync the mechanism.
Last edited by MB_Owner; Aug 10, 2009 at 05:49 AM. Reason: Clarification
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
My GLK350, delivered in March 2009, has the exact same squeaking issues - on the front door handles (feel and sound like cheap aluminum on plastic when pulling the doors closed) and a creaking chassis which is most obviously heard as the body flexes every time I exit my apartment via our curved underground parking ramp. My steering wheel also squeaks when turning - so all in all, quite annoying. Note: my GLK did not seem to have any chassis creaking until it received its first 6,000km maintenance check at the dealership - possible that this a coincidence? And has anyone had success in having these creaks and squeaks resolved?
We'll see how long this solution lasts. I can't imagine a new car needs seal lube.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
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From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
glad to hear your issue is finally resolved webada. I think seal lube is not that important and could have been underapplied. I actually never even heard of it until now.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
NYCGLk, I know, I'm so glad too. buyer remorse came across my mind many times when the problem arised... afterall it is 1yr production.
Given that, I had a brief chat with the foreman. He said the GLK had been relatively trouble free and he did mention "it is based on c-class" as a reason for its reliability. It was the first GLK to come in with creaking sounds. Maybe it was just a one off issue but I've read new w204 owners replacing door seals to solve excess wind noise.
Given that, I had a brief chat with the foreman. He said the GLK had been relatively trouble free and he did mention "it is based on c-class" as a reason for its reliability. It was the first GLK to come in with creaking sounds. Maybe it was just a one off issue but I've read new w204 owners replacing door seals to solve excess wind noise.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
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From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Rained the first time yesterday since I've had my GLK and the left wiper blade kept making a chattering racket...kind of like a parched rubber wiper blade on a dry windshield. Except the vehicle is two weeks old and the windshield was wet.
So I cleaned the windshield (thinking maybe there was some sticky production film on it) and cleaned the wiper blades. No joy, continued to make a racket; albeit, lessened.
Stopped by the dealer today, service advisor concurred (too loud) and replaced the left wiper blade. Ran water from a hose on the windshield to check it...problem solved. The left wiper blade must have been dried out when it was installed.
So I cleaned the windshield (thinking maybe there was some sticky production film on it) and cleaned the wiper blades. No joy, continued to make a racket; albeit, lessened.
Stopped by the dealer today, service advisor concurred (too loud) and replaced the left wiper blade. Ran water from a hose on the windshield to check it...problem solved. The left wiper blade must have been dried out when it was installed.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GLK 350 2010
update on shade not closing completely
Went to the MB dealer and looked at 2 new 350 GLKS on the lot and they looked the same as mine. The shade does stop short. It would give a cleaner look if it slide into the recessed receiver area all the way. Look at your shade when closed and you will see that there is room for it to go further in. What do you think??
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
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From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Piqued my interest enough that I went out to the garage to look, osoms1. 
And now I see what you're talking about. Yep, you're correct, there is enough channel depth to allow the cover to slide in another ⅜ - ½ inch or so. But if others on the lot are the same, I guess ours are 'normal.'
While there, checked the oil level (remains right on the full mark with more than a thousand miles) and got my Owner's Manual to look up the TPMS info in the snow tire thread.
Will admit, it's always disconcerting to pull out that dipstick the first time and see it totally dry. Wonder if anyone has ever added oil thinking it was low before reinserting the dipstick and checking a second time (as the Owner's Manual says to do).
And now I see what you're talking about. Yep, you're correct, there is enough channel depth to allow the cover to slide in another ⅜ - ½ inch or so. But if others on the lot are the same, I guess ours are 'normal.'
While there, checked the oil level (remains right on the full mark with more than a thousand miles) and got my Owner's Manual to look up the TPMS info in the snow tire thread.
Will admit, it's always disconcerting to pull out that dipstick the first time and see it totally dry. Wonder if anyone has ever added oil thinking it was low before reinserting the dipstick and checking a second time (as the Owner's Manual says to do).
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
GLK 350 2010
Well, maybe MB will send out a service note to adjust the stop mechanism ?? Also, for anyone with bluetooth phone concerns, the Blackberry Storm and Tour both have OPP to push your contact list to the MB radio with no problem. There was some question about that, and even MB phone list is outdated and does not have the new BB phones listed. Hope this helps the Crankberry users.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
Rained the first time yesterday since I've had my GLK and the left wiper blade kept making a chattering racket...kind of like a parched rubber wiper blade on a dry windshield. Except the vehicle is two weeks old and the windshield was wet.
So I cleaned the windshield (thinking maybe there was some sticky production film on it) and cleaned the wiper blades. No joy, continued to make a racket; albeit, lessened.
Stopped by the dealer today, service advisor concurred (too loud) and replaced the left wiper blade. Ran water from a hose on the windshield to check it...problem solved. The left wiper blade must have been dried out when it was installed.
So I cleaned the windshield (thinking maybe there was some sticky production film on it) and cleaned the wiper blades. No joy, continued to make a racket; albeit, lessened.
Stopped by the dealer today, service advisor concurred (too loud) and replaced the left wiper blade. Ran water from a hose on the windshield to check it...problem solved. The left wiper blade must have been dried out when it was installed.
If you read the manual you are not supposed to clean wipers, they have special coating on them. Just use rainx on the windshield.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
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From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
You must have a different Owner's Manual than I do, NYCGLK. Page 245 of the US Edition A says to clean the windshield and wiper blade inserts with a "mild detergent solution."
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
I still recommend using rainx, as you don't need to use wipers on highways speeds, and when you do use wipers they work much smoother and quieter.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
GLK 350
GLK350 Problem?
I just purchased the GLK350 two weeks ago. I've noticed a few things about the car which I'm not sure if it is a problem or not. From all the other cars I've driven, this was the first to do the following:
1) When making a turn, the steering wheel does not center itself after the turn. Well, it does but very slowly. Too slowly so it requires the driver to center it. All the cars I've driven, the steering wheel will center quickly when let go after a turn.
2) When I brake to a complete stop, if I let go of the brake the car does not move at all. All the cars I've driven will move forward slowly.
I've asked Mercedes and they said it's how it's supposed to be. Just wondering if everyone else is like that or it is a problem.
Thanks!
1) When making a turn, the steering wheel does not center itself after the turn. Well, it does but very slowly. Too slowly so it requires the driver to center it. All the cars I've driven, the steering wheel will center quickly when let go after a turn.
2) When I brake to a complete stop, if I let go of the brake the car does not move at all. All the cars I've driven will move forward slowly.
I've asked Mercedes and they said it's how it's supposed to be. Just wondering if everyone else is like that or it is a problem.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga, ON
GLK 350
I just purchased the GLK350 two weeks ago. I've noticed a few things about the car which I'm not sure if it is a problem or not. From all the other cars I've driven, this was the first to do the following:
1) When making a turn, the steering wheel does not center itself after the turn. Well, it does but very slowly. Too slowly so it requires the driver to center it. All the cars I've driven, the steering wheel will center quickly when let go after a turn.
2) When I brake to a complete stop, if I let go of the brake the car does not move at all. All the cars I've driven will move forward slowly.
I've asked Mercedes and they said it's how it's supposed to be. Just wondering if everyone else is like that or it is a problem.
Thanks!
1) When making a turn, the steering wheel does not center itself after the turn. Well, it does but very slowly. Too slowly so it requires the driver to center it. All the cars I've driven, the steering wheel will center quickly when let go after a turn.
2) When I brake to a complete stop, if I let go of the brake the car does not move at all. All the cars I've driven will move forward slowly.
I've asked Mercedes and they said it's how it's supposed to be. Just wondering if everyone else is like that or it is a problem.
Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
glk 350
Transmission slow from reverse to drive
Yes, MB's transmissions take a bit to go between D and R. I saw this being a complaint by some on C forum, I don't think it's a problem tho, more of "safety" for transmission feature.
When I try to go in reverse quick it doesn't get in R as quickly as I'd like sometimes, but again it's not an issue that's how it works, and operating this way preserves transmission.
As webada pointed out those of you with hard downshifts might want to try reseting the transmission back to factory setting and "re-teaching" it.
When I try to go in reverse quick it doesn't get in R as quickly as I'd like sometimes, but again it's not an issue that's how it works, and operating this way preserves transmission.
As webada pointed out those of you with hard downshifts might want to try reseting the transmission back to factory setting and "re-teaching" it.
Been to the Dealer twice on this, they have reset the transmission and adaptive computers, problem still there. They even went out and tested another vehicle, and sure enough, same problem, not quite as bad as mine.
As we were testing in the lot, did notice a definite lag in transmission entering both reverse and drive- if you wait long enough, you can acually feel the tranny engage- very subtle. If I wait until I feel the shift, gas pedal acts normally.
This only happens going from reverse to drive. Dealer is doing some research, may be a fluid level or valve problem in tranny. Apparently, with these new sealed units, they cannot even check fluid levels except during scheduled maintenance. I know there is no oil dipstick.
An annoyance at this point, hoping will not progress to something worse.
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Jeep Cherokee Laredo, 2010 MB GLK 350
Near 4,000km
Had the following "problems":
1. The navi screen was blank when I turned it on the first day after I got delivery. Never had that again. Probably, like a computer, it needed to be "rebooted".
2. The red hazard light in the centre console would stay on sometimes. I don't think it's an issue, just makes it look like another anti-theft warning light.
3. Heard some squeaks coming from the front left. It was annoying but it went away when I moved the front passenger seat back/forward a bit.
Will have the oil changed at about 5,000 km before I take it on a a long road trip to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Yellowstone Park this summer.
Can't wait!
1. The navi screen was blank when I turned it on the first day after I got delivery. Never had that again. Probably, like a computer, it needed to be "rebooted".
2. The red hazard light in the centre console would stay on sometimes. I don't think it's an issue, just makes it look like another anti-theft warning light.
3. Heard some squeaks coming from the front left. It was annoying but it went away when I moved the front passenger seat back/forward a bit.
Will have the oil changed at about 5,000 km before I take it on a a long road trip to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Yellowstone Park this summer.
Can't wait!
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
Jeep Cherokee Laredo, 2010 MB GLK 350
2) When I brake to a complete stop, if I let go of the brake the car does not move at all. All the cars I've driven will move forward slowly.
I've asked Mercedes and they said it's how it's supposed to be. Just wondering if everyone else is like that or it is a problem.
Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GLK 350
Having a couple of issues...
I've been experiencing two problems over the past few months. When I get in the vehicle in the mornng for the first time, or if I have been out of it a while, I will hear some sort of electronic running motor noise coming from inside the rear of the vehicle. Sometime it lasts about 5-10 secs, sometimes 20-30 secs. Have no idea what it may be, but it's annoying and concerning. Other issue is that sometimes when I brake, I hear an internal clicking noise coming from the dash/brake padal area. Anyone having these issues or know what they may be?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
2010 GLK350
I took the delivery of my GLK in October 2010. I have been mostly happy with it. However, I have been having problems that seem like either computer malfunctions or electronics. The Nav. display went blank a few times. No sound from speakers a few times (no, it was not muted). Recently the rear passenger power door lock would not unlock intermittently, either with the key or manually. A new lock assembly has been ordered. Now the driver power door lock does not lock, either with the key or manually. I heard that German cars are prone to have electrical problems. That seems to be true after experiencing the prblems with my GLK.
Prior to getting the GLK350 I have owned Lexus RX300, Lexus GX470 and Audi Q7. I did not have any problems with the Lexus. However, I did have a few problems with Audi Q7. I am seriously considering to go back to Japanese relible product when my lease expires in October, 2012.
Prior to getting the GLK350 I have owned Lexus RX300, Lexus GX470 and Audi Q7. I did not have any problems with the Lexus. However, I did have a few problems with Audi Q7. I am seriously considering to go back to Japanese relible product when my lease expires in October, 2012.
Last edited by unilzr; Jul 29, 2010 at 04:57 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Germany
M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
Unilzr, with the number of problems you've had with your GLK, you for sure need to sign up on the TrueDelta Car Reliability Research site and document your GLK issues.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Only thing I noticed was the creaking noise on rough roads. Bought a can of silicone spray, sparyed the door seals and no more creaks, that has been after two car washes, but figure will need to repeat a few times a year.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
2010 GLK350
Unilzr, with the number of problems you've had with your GLK, you for sure need to sign up on the TrueDelta Car Reliability Research site and document your GLK issues.
