New Generation GLK
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Not even sure why they need the stalk. 3 buttons would do the job. D/P/R.
I hadn't realized that the stalk has been around for a while. Dealer has a brand new 2011 model E350 on showroom floor and it has the stalk shifter.
Last edited by 107123210; Feb 26, 2014 at 04:12 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
I wouldn't! I like it near the wheel. I've been through all the generational changes from the 30's and 40's on the floor to what I believe is safer and easier, on the steering column near the hands while you're steering. I hate the console mounted shifters like on my '85. Much more convenient up high. You don't see shifters mounted on consoles on race cars! There's a reason.
The styling I saw on the camouflaged car looked like the current model as best you could tell. As I posted previously a wider track and longer wheel base.
The styling I saw on the camouflaged car looked like the current model as best you could tell. As I posted previously a wider track and longer wheel base.
I understand, and I'm usually a "form follows function" type, but for some reason I just don't like the shifter "on the tree."
Yes, there's a reason they are not on the console of a race car, and that reason doesn't apply to a small SUV...
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Now that I have got used to the stalk shifter, I think it makes a lot of sense. The old style shifters took up a LOT of space on the center console. The GLK has little enough space for storage. And we do at least have simple cup holders in a convenient place.
Not even sure why they need the stalk. 3 buttons would do the job. D/P/R.
I hadn't realized that the stalk has been around for a while. Dealer has a brand new 2011 model on showroom floor and it has the stalk shifter.
Not even sure why they need the stalk. 3 buttons would do the job. D/P/R.
I hadn't realized that the stalk has been around for a while. Dealer has a brand new 2011 model on showroom floor and it has the stalk shifter.
My GLK is a 2011 and I don't recall seeing the stalk as an option; maybe it came out after I got mine...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
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From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Why have a shifter at all? It is only a big electrical switch. Go back to the Chrysler push buttons from the '60's. Put the buttons on the wheel like the Edsel. And while they are at it, put the dimmer back on the floor, so you can dim your lights while going around a corner. Since there is no clutch, give that old left foot something to do. When a shifter was an actual mechanical connection, that moved the gears around, there was a reason to put it on top of the gear box. Ever have the linkage on you 65 Chevy column mounted 3 peed screw up because of the long rods at the bottom of the column crashing into each other? Now everything is electrical, no need to have anything but buttons.
Wait, we have voice recognition system, why not just say "Forward" or "Reverse" It will come to that.
Wait, we have voice recognition system, why not just say "Forward" or "Reverse" It will come to that.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 571
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Why have a shifter at all? It is only a big electrical switch. Go back to the Chrysler push buttons from the '60's. Put the buttons on the wheel like the Edsel. And while they are at it, put the dimmer back on the floor, so you can dim your lights while going around a corner. Since there is no clutch, give that old left foot something to do. When a shifter was an actual mechanical connection, that moved the gears around, there was a reason to put it on top of the gear box. Ever have the linkage on you 65 Chevy column mounted 3 peed screw up because of the long rods at the bottom of the column crashing into each other? Now everything is electrical, no need to have anything but buttons.
Wait, we have voice recognition system, why not just say "Forward" or "Reverse" It will come to that.
Wait, we have voice recognition system, why not just say "Forward" or "Reverse" It will come to that.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 220
Likes: 7
2014 glk 250BT (RIP, 3/1/17}, 2010 C300
The only problem with the shifter on the column is getting used to it. With two cars one each way, you fall back to the old habit of trying to shift without the console lever there.
Old habits die hard!
Old habits die hard!
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 571
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From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Sure agree. I seldom drive my GLK locally preferring the old 190D. Sometimes it's hard to get used to where the shifters are, and I damned sure hate those on the console, but the manufacturers did that for 'cheap' and reliability.
My biggest problem with 'habits' is the swap of the stalks for the turn signals and the cruise control on the new models as compared to the older M-B's. Mercedes had to do it for Euro Union rules and while I think the Euro rules make most sense considering proximity of the hands and their position on the steering wheel, when you drive an old one alternately with a new one, it takes a lot of concentration. I constantly reach in and set the cruise by accident believing I'm signaling for a right turn while cussing the fact I have to reach 'in' and under the wheel! I've also signaled for turns trying to set the cruise. By the second or third day driving the GLK I'm fine, but then get home, go to the 190, and the process of the habit starts all over again!
My biggest problem with 'habits' is the swap of the stalks for the turn signals and the cruise control on the new models as compared to the older M-B's. Mercedes had to do it for Euro Union rules and while I think the Euro rules make most sense considering proximity of the hands and their position on the steering wheel, when you drive an old one alternately with a new one, it takes a lot of concentration. I constantly reach in and set the cruise by accident believing I'm signaling for a right turn while cussing the fact I have to reach 'in' and under the wheel! I've also signaled for turns trying to set the cruise. By the second or third day driving the GLK I'm fine, but then get home, go to the 190, and the process of the habit starts all over again!
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
As long as we are *****ing about controls, I hate that the end of the signal indicator also controls the wipers.
I frequently use my flashers instead of the horn and I'm always flicking the wipers for a stroke or two; I hate that!
I frequently use my flashers instead of the horn and I'm always flicking the wipers for a stroke or two; I hate that!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 8
From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Comments are funny regarding the placement of shifter. Give cause to recall my days of driving Peugeots. Pre '68 models had a brass knuckle on the linkage which would break at an inconvenient time & then the '68 models had the shift pattern rearranged so that reverse & first were flipped. Of course I am talking manual 4 speed transmission on the column as MB of this vintage. Push button auto would be my preference with the high beam switch on the floor.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: california
Honda '09 S2000, MB '10 GLK350 4Matic
Last edited by bluetarget; Mar 12, 2014 at 10:30 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 445
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From: Tucson AZ
2010 Mercedes GLK 350, 2001 BMW Z3 3.0 Roadster, 1997 Cherokee XJ
Interesting photos on the 2016. Roof line at the rear pillar drops down similar to the BMW X3 (older Honda CRV too) & not nearly as chiseled as the current models. Hopefully it will be 2016 & not 2015. The turbo v-6 would be very nice & the rumor of a true AMG, more than a styling upgrade as the current models would be great too, especially with a v-8!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Comments are funny regarding the placement of shifter. Give cause to recall my days of driving Peugeots. Pre '68 models had a brass knuckle on the linkage which would break at an inconvenient time & then the '68 models had the shift pattern rearranged so that reverse & first were flipped. Of course I am talking manual 4 speed transmission on the column as MB of this vintage. Push button auto would be my preference with the high beam switch on the floor.
Everyone knows the French are weird, especially their cars.
I had a Citroen DS that had the shifter behind the steering wheel on top of the steering column...
