venchka

We need more positive comments like this one. Glad to hear that you are happy.

Wayne

MBNA109

That statement is plane incorrect. For a very few minority, may be.
3 samples over 3 years does not make a mass problem.

I have none of these symptoms.
The stop light example simply does not exist with me.

I think sometimes people see this small, agile & quick SUV & fail to realize they are moving 2+ tons.

Common sense & basic physics dictate greater stopping preparation diligence as the lbs get heavier.

Basic fundamental braking & driving technique such as brake modulation would support the poster's good braking feel after letting off.

And test driving the thing with great care prior to purchase help worked out any questions we had.
We test drove this thing on 3 different occasions with repeated brake fade a primary concern:
1) Initially
2) BMW driving event comparison vs. new X3
3) Final

I don't believe throwing $40+K at something & crying foul without knowing the facts is proof of a GLK's brake deficiency. It does show something else though...

MBRedux

There are so many factors in braking that its hard to tell without driving the car in a test drive. Pad type and composition, rotor composition, then how the driver uses or abuses them, road conditions, tire pressures, will all effect the way brakes behave... Ever drive past a wreck on the freeway?.... and did you happen to drive through a puddle of antifreeze from the wreck? Antifreeze, oil, gasoline etc will soak into the pads and lessen their performance. If the driver is a speed demon from block to block of stop and go driving, this abuse can glaze the pad which can also ruin its performance... so before you blame Mercedes, or the car, first look at your driving and braking habits to see if they can be improved upon...

MBNA109

Have you ever taken a driving class?

Seriously, you couldn't have written it any better.
I would also add that the tires are the other main part of braking that people always neglect.

The OEM shodded Dunlops aren't the best out there - if you have it on your GLK.

If your tires are worn, cold or possibly damaged - guess what is creating 'stick' & friction or where the rubber meets the road? It ain't the brakes touching the asphalt.

MBRedux

This is true but remember that the OP is complaining about *peddle travel* more than brake feel. This IS serious and the dealer isn't treating him/her with respect IMO. I'm still anxious to find what's causing this issue.

GLKKLG

Are you, lucky owners of GLK's with good brakes, done throwing mud at us, the few not so lucky ones?
Al this technical nonsense that was given above, very much reminds me of what dealership are usually feeding to unhappy clients, if they want to avoid problematic repairs.
My case is simple, brakes show very modest wear, however pedal travels too far and brake performance is rather variable. At times brakes would grab well and early, but most of the time pedal goes deep and brakes seem weak. I am not car genius and I am not planning to become one, however I bought well established brand and not a home made kit car, so it is only reasonable to expect, that brakes in my GLK would work to my safety and satisfaction. Currently MB gave me reason to believe that it is not available. Therefore, I filed safety complaint with NHTSA, so they investigate the issue. Especially since I see more than myself with that similar complaint. If it was some minor issue, like backup camera, or door lock, I'd be a lot more calm here, however my wife has already been in a minor collision, where she "almost stopped", yet managed to dent that Honda's door, that cut her off... It is hard to blame MB for that, however, something makes me think that better brakes on our GLK would have helped.
This is my 2 bucks, for your consideration.

MBNA109

Technical nonsense? Seriously, you need to know something about cars before YOU go slinging your own sewage.
Slinging mud @ you?
You're the one going in seeking help already down a few IQ points...Ignorance always causes trouble I guess.

GLKKLG

Since your brakes are good and you have no complaints, why are you in this thread then?
Your technical expertise is not helping here, because there is no button to push, to make my brakes work like they do on other cars we own and drive.
Do you think normal person needs to think and know about all the brake system's internals and theories, when their pedal goes half way to the floor, before something happens? Please go and start another thread, where you can praise GLK brakes and I will not participate, however in this one, I found that I am not alone and that there are other GLK's with similar issue.

MBNA109

Because this isn't Cold War Eastern Bloc or North Korea, so that's why I am here.

Berating a 125 year old manufacturer & its dealership affiliates because you are too arrogant to address the issue like a rational adult is somehow helping you?

In this thread there are 3 people speaking up about this issue...how is that representative of a mass defect?

Hey don't let the big numbers or engineering scare you now.
I'm sure there's a wall somewhere you can run into just to prove that you are right.

venchka

GLKKLG,

It is way past time that you take your GLK to:
1. Another M-B dealer. Ask them politely to evaluate the brake system. Without any other background story. Don't muddy the water with your 2 year tale of woe. Something like this...
"Mr. M-B Service Rep., Please evaluate my brake system."
"What is wrong, Mr. GLK Owner?"
"I would like you to tell me if there is anything wrong. Please?"
2. Do the same with a reliable independant garage that specializes in current model Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Be prepaired to pay for both examinations.

That is my final answer.

Wayne