The Official GLK Problems with Aging Thread
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2002 MB C230 Kompressor Coupe
2012 GLK350 will run but everything is inoperable
Hey Everyone, my daughter-in-law has a 2012 GLK350. Thursday morning she got in it to go to work and the car started but would not shift out of park and everything on the car is inoperable. All kinds of messages popped up on the dash as being inoperable. The cooling fan runs wide open while engine is running. My Son and I are completely baffled. We have googled the issue and a lot of people are talking about the aux. battery being bad. We have searched the car over and cannot find another battery. Does this car actually have one and has anyone had this same issue? I would really appreciate any info you can give.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 689
Likes: 30
Don't know if this will work for GLK, but may be worth reading:
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercede...er-stuck-park/
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/mercede...er-stuck-park/
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2002 MB C230 Kompressor Coupe
Well, it's not just stuck in park. Nothing works. Seats won't move windows won't move. Every system on the car has an error message stating it is inoperable. The only thing it will do is start, nothing else.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut, USA
2012 GLK, 2016 BMW 1200GS
Well, I was going to join this thread by stating that while I've had to do the usual brakes, tires, and usual maintenance stuff, my 2012 GLK with 126,000 miles has been overall quite reliable and a lot of fun to drive. Today changed that: put the Smartkey in the dash, turned it, and the vehicle does nothing. Has a new battery that is two months old. All the electronics come on when I put it in position 2. It's just doing nothing with the smartkey. Checked all the likely fuses that are listed as having to do with the starter and the gear shift.
Oh, and it's stuck in Park, but I found out where the emergency gear release lever is so I can put it in neutral for it to be towed to the dealer.
Oh, and it's stuck in Park, but I found out where the emergency gear release lever is so I can put it in neutral for it to be towed to the dealer.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2002 MB C230 Kompressor Coupe
Update GLK inoperative
Update on my daughter-in-law's 2012 GLK350. Ok, my son called a roll back to pick up the car and take it to a repair shop. (Martin's Import Service. Great guys). The tow truck driver released the car from park using the lever or whatever it is in the console. Put the car on the rollback and delivered it to Martin's. Service guy came out, fired up the car, drove it into the shop. That's right, drove it into the shop. No codes, no alarms, nothing. Everything on the car worked fine. Absolutely no issues. WTH? They are completely baffled. No idea what was wrong. Car runs fine now. My son paid the tow bill and an hour of shop service. No one can explain it. Go figure.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
2001 SLK320
Stuck in Park, Smartkey doesn’t do anything.
[
You might have either deprogrammed the smartkey or else it is your ignition switch, which had to be replaced on mine 2012 HLK350, at around 75000 Miles.
QUOTE=FiveG;7368294]Well, I was going to join this thread by stating that while I've had to do the usual brakes, tires, and usual maintenance stuff, my 2012 GLK with 126,000 miles has been overall quite reliable and a lot of fun to drive. Today changed that: put the Smartkey in the dash, turned it, and the vehicle does nothing. Has a new battery that is two months old. All the electronics come on when I put it in position 2. It's just doing nothing with the smartkey. Checked all the likely fuses that are listed as having to do with the starter and the gear shift.
Oh, and it's stuck in Park, but I found out where the emergency gear release lever is so I can put it in neutral for it to be towed to the dealer.[/QUOTE]
You might have either deprogrammed the smartkey or else it is your ignition switch, which had to be replaced on mine 2012 HLK350, at around 75000 Miles.
QUOTE=FiveG;7368294]Well, I was going to join this thread by stating that while I've had to do the usual brakes, tires, and usual maintenance stuff, my 2012 GLK with 126,000 miles has been overall quite reliable and a lot of fun to drive. Today changed that: put the Smartkey in the dash, turned it, and the vehicle does nothing. Has a new battery that is two months old. All the electronics come on when I put it in position 2. It's just doing nothing with the smartkey. Checked all the likely fuses that are listed as having to do with the starter and the gear shift.
Oh, and it's stuck in Park, but I found out where the emergency gear release lever is so I can put it in neutral for it to be towed to the dealer.[/QUOTE]
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Kencz Sounds like a neutral/park safety switch is going bad. When the tow truck driver moved the lever to neutral, it freed the switch and it worked when the car was put into park. I will bet the tow truck driver did not try to start it before towing. Probably want to get that switch replaced for starters (no pun intended).
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: Six Mile, SC
2018 SL450
2014 GLK250, now 4.3 years old and 55K miles. One problem when one month old (one of the smartkeys stopped working, stranding me 10 miles from home). Since then, nada. Wonderful vehicle. We are on our 2nd set of Dunlops, with 75% of tread left on those. No brake job needed yet at all, still plenty left. Mostly suburban driving with maybe 10% inside Washington DC/Arlington VA. We do detail the car twice a year, but I must say all fittings, trims, etc. still look as new. Service at our dealership (Euromotorcars in Bethesda, MD) has been excellent, and we hope the same will hold when we move to the Greenville, SC area later this year. I did buy the longest extended warranty from MB, and though it has provided peace of mind, I "fear" I may never use it! This is our first MB but may not be our last!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati, Ohio
GLK 350 2010
2010 GLK 350 4-MATIC - just went over 140,000 miles.
Service back yesterday. Engine oil change and analysis was clean - no unusual metal amounts or trends. Oil + Filter changes at 10-12,000 miles have been completed exclusively with Mobile 1 since new.
Completed Transmission service (oil and filter change), brake fluid service (purge and replace), coolant flush and replace.
Battery test came back as failed - 8 year old battery - $280 for a new OEM battery.
All the above ran me $1180 - parts and labor
Asked to have power steering fluid changed and mechanic was passionate that power steering fluid is lifetime with Mercedes and never needs changing on 2001 and new vehicles.
Now lets talk motor mounts!
Mine are wearing - not quite out of limits yet but they need replacing.
Understand replacing of motor mounts on GLK 350 is 8 hours of labor + parts? $1500? Does that sound right?
My drivers seat bottom cover is tearing - can anyone recommend a method to repair? New seat cover for GLK is $550 - ugh.
Thanks!
Service back yesterday. Engine oil change and analysis was clean - no unusual metal amounts or trends. Oil + Filter changes at 10-12,000 miles have been completed exclusively with Mobile 1 since new.
Completed Transmission service (oil and filter change), brake fluid service (purge and replace), coolant flush and replace.
Battery test came back as failed - 8 year old battery - $280 for a new OEM battery.
All the above ran me $1180 - parts and labor
Asked to have power steering fluid changed and mechanic was passionate that power steering fluid is lifetime with Mercedes and never needs changing on 2001 and new vehicles.
Now lets talk motor mounts!
Mine are wearing - not quite out of limits yet but they need replacing.
Understand replacing of motor mounts on GLK 350 is 8 hours of labor + parts? $1500? Does that sound right?
My drivers seat bottom cover is tearing - can anyone recommend a method to repair? New seat cover for GLK is $550 - ugh.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Might think about upgrading to a 2014. With all the intake manifold servos and stability control systems that are nearing End Of Life age, the cost of trade-in vs fix is becoming about equal.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 182
Likes: 45
From: Toronto, Canada
2010 GLK350 4matic
2010 GLK 350 4-MATIC - just went over 140,000 miles.
Service back yesterday. Engine oil change and analysis was clean - no unusual metal amounts or trends. Oil + Filter changes at 10-12,000 miles have been completed exclusively with Mobile 1 since new.
Completed Transmission service (oil and filter change), brake fluid service (purge and replace), coolant flush and replace.
Battery test came back as failed - 8 year old battery - $280 for a new OEM battery.
All the above ran me $1180 - parts and labor
Asked to have power steering fluid changed and mechanic was passionate that power steering fluid is lifetime with Mercedes and never needs changing on 2001 and new vehicles.
Now lets talk motor mounts!
Mine are wearing - not quite out of limits yet but they need replacing.
Understand replacing of motor mounts on GLK 350 is 8 hours of labor + parts? $1500? Does that sound right?
My drivers seat bottom cover is tearing - can anyone recommend a method to repair? New seat cover for GLK is $550 - ugh.
Thanks!
Service back yesterday. Engine oil change and analysis was clean - no unusual metal amounts or trends. Oil + Filter changes at 10-12,000 miles have been completed exclusively with Mobile 1 since new.
Completed Transmission service (oil and filter change), brake fluid service (purge and replace), coolant flush and replace.
Battery test came back as failed - 8 year old battery - $280 for a new OEM battery.
All the above ran me $1180 - parts and labor
Asked to have power steering fluid changed and mechanic was passionate that power steering fluid is lifetime with Mercedes and never needs changing on 2001 and new vehicles.
Now lets talk motor mounts!
Mine are wearing - not quite out of limits yet but they need replacing.
Understand replacing of motor mounts on GLK 350 is 8 hours of labor + parts? $1500? Does that sound right?
My drivers seat bottom cover is tearing - can anyone recommend a method to repair? New seat cover for GLK is $550 - ugh.
Thanks!
I've been also putting in Mobil 1 every 10k, Fuchs transmission oil every 40k, will put in Fuchs gear oil to replace the original front and rear differential oil when it gets warmer in the next couple of months.
Haven't experienced any PS symptoms, but might change the PS fluid next year. Still on original serpentine belt, but carry a spare in the trunk
I've changed the coolant fluid (half of the fluid capacity) 3 times now with mercedes fluid. I did replace a failing thermostat. Following the thermostat replacement my upper radiator hose was leaking at the connections to the thermostat. It was old and the pulling force must have damaged it. I replaced with aftermarket hose, but that was faulty from the get go, there was a very small leak at the radiator connection, so replaced with oem and all good.
Do you have any symptoms of failing mounts? my cold idles are bit rougher, but usually gets better as the car warms up.
Running on second set of rotors, this time Bembros, 3rd set of pads now using akebonos. Brake fluid every 2 years (Mercedes brake fluid). Might rebuild the calipers when I wear out these rotors.
Battery also replaced, last summer.
Suspension has been solid, only thing that I replaced were the rear spring coils, one side had a crack in it.
Will replace the fuel filter soon, as it's due soon for a replacement.
My cover is also torn, I was thinking of just putting those $20 dollar Edealyn covers from Amazon, if they are bad, it's only 20 bucks
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
GLK 350
High Mileage GLK
Our 2014 GLK already has close to 70K. Long commutes and after-school activities added up quickly. Aging report: Today - P2237 code and check engine light - O2 sensor issue. Had it maintained at the dealer (as part of purchase) up to 2nd Service B. They never performed Transmission flush when it was under warranty, so now I am taking it to an independent MB repair shop. The phone charger in the cigarette lighter has been replaced at least twice - as it keeps shorting out (warranty item at dealer). Right window motor replaced during warranty period - Our bmw also has had this issue without the warranty. 
Painting has held up well, one fender bender caused over $5k damages to front bumper (rush hour on turnpike), but so far, touch wood, nothing significant. I do change the oil every 6 to 7 thousand miles, instead of the 10 that the manual recommends. This GLK was a bare bones, but I like it - less to break on it. It has no electric motor on the rear hatch and no back up camera, so maybe I'll get the back up camera installed after market.
Overall, still happy with the high mileage black Benz.
Has anyone installed a dash cam and had it hard wired into the electric system? Our independent repair shop person said he would not feel comfortable doing it...
Painting has held up well, one fender bender caused over $5k damages to front bumper (rush hour on turnpike), but so far, touch wood, nothing significant. I do change the oil every 6 to 7 thousand miles, instead of the 10 that the manual recommends. This GLK was a bare bones, but I like it - less to break on it. It has no electric motor on the rear hatch and no back up camera, so maybe I'll get the back up camera installed after market.
Overall, still happy with the high mileage black Benz.
Has anyone installed a dash cam and had it hard wired into the electric system? Our independent repair shop person said he would not feel comfortable doing it...
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 38
From: Seattle, WA
2010 C63 AMG, 2010 GLK350
Removal and install should take you about an hour. There's a DIY here.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
Likes: 38
From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Chuckmahon, at your rate it will be 2026 by the time you hit 300K. You probably won't be allowed to drive at all in 2026, let alone drive a gasoline car. Good luck, I hope you make it. I put over 250 k on a couple of Merc's but they were diesels back in the day when a diesel was just a mechanical pump and would run without the battery once you got it started. Weak point on those was the transmission. Weak point today is the sensors, and small electric motors. Of course the piston speed of the big old diesels was much slower than today's high revving engines which helped.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
GLK 350
High Mileage GLK- Oxygen sensor
Our 2014 GLK already has close to 70K. Long commutes and after-school activities added up quickly. Aging report: Today - P2237 code and check engine light - O2 sensor issue. Had it maintained at the dealer (as part of purchase) up to 2nd Service B. They never performed Transmission flush when it was under warranty, so now I am taking it to an independent MB repair shop. The phone charger in the cigarette lighter has been replaced at least twice - as it keeps shorting out (warranty item at dealer). Right window motor replaced during warranty period - Our bmw also has had this issue without the warranty.
Painting has held up well, one fender bender caused over $5k damages to front bumper (rush hour on turnpike), but so far, touch wood, nothing significant. I do change the oil every 6 to 7 thousand miles, instead of the 10 that the manual recommends. This GLK was a bare bones, but I like it - less to break on it. It has no electric motor on the rear hatch and no back up camera, so maybe I'll get the back up camera installed after market.
Overall, still happy with the high mileage black Benz.
Has anyone installed a dash cam and had it hard wired into the electric system? Our independent repair shop person said he would not feel comfortable doing it...
Painting has held up well, one fender bender caused over $5k damages to front bumper (rush hour on turnpike), but so far, touch wood, nothing significant. I do change the oil every 6 to 7 thousand miles, instead of the 10 that the manual recommends. This GLK was a bare bones, but I like it - less to break on it. It has no electric motor on the rear hatch and no back up camera, so maybe I'll get the back up camera installed after market.
Overall, still happy with the high mileage black Benz.
Has anyone installed a dash cam and had it hard wired into the electric system? Our independent repair shop person said he would not feel comfortable doing it...
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
2013 GLK 350
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
From: Back of Bill's Mother's
560SEC
Transfer Case
Early last fall the transfer case failed on our 2012 GLK 350. The car had only just gone over 60,000 miles and was a little over one month out of its CPO warranty. MB, of course, refused to accept any responsibility. Our independent Mercede-Benz specialist replaced it with a new one to the tune of $7,500 all-in. They said they had never seen one of these fail like this before. I was in their shop again the other day and the Service Advisor mentioned to me that since they replaced ours they have had over a half-dozen customers come in with 4Matic failures. Same transfer case in all incidents and all just north of 60,000 miles.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
My GLK has quickly become a nightmare - since March of this year I have done $10k worth of warranty recovered repairs. My issue with the BSA is still not resolved. Last week when exiting the highway the car refused to accelerate (top speed was 60kmh) and would not let me change gears. It is now once again at the dealer for repairs - it was last there 2 weeks ago. I am selling this piece of junk.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GLK350 4matic
+100k miles GLK350 4matic
So far....great car, bought with 52k miles, now at 107k...
- Always use synthetic oil;
- Changed to harder tires for longevity;
- Driver's seat has a spot that is melting from underneath due to seat heater;
- Car rolls into "park" while moving under 6mph;
- Transmission feels a little loose as car rolls slightly when foot comes off brake at an incline.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: California
glk350 4 matic
2013 GLK 4matic GARBAGE
got a 2011 glk with 25k miles now, First off loved the car when I got it, shifting was weird but I figure it needs to be broken in. Well it still does it to this day and only sometimes. Then comes the leaking windshield washer bottle, clicking and not opening lift gate, then the horrible brake noise,loud cooling fan noise, and tires are wearing unevenly. I brought it into mb have these problem taken care of and only two were fixed. new water bottle, new lift gate motor. Excuse for the brakes was wear and tear. ( wow already at 25k miles ) transmission was shifting fine when we test drove no codes. ( the glk rental they gave me did the same thing ) Tire wear you might have hit a pot hole and need to get an alignment ( i must have hit a pot hole on all four wheels yea right). I bought a mercedes cause I heard it was the best, well at 25k and already having these many problems, I can only imagine as it gets older. I cant wait to trade this in. Please let me know if anyone else is having these problems.a
Ex BMW owner....i hope someone steals this car!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: California
glk350 4 matic
Both front seats cracked and shattered
This is due to the heating element being too hot for the pleather seats....mercedes is making me "eat it". Unbelievable, that they will not check the heating element. Car is not drivable, it feels like shards of glass on your legs. Never again will I purchase a Mercedes....their customer service is horrible at best.
