CharlieX

Especially when the car is cold started, it really sounds like a clattery diesel or maybe a 4-banger. The exhaust note isn't buttery. Especially heard from outside the car. I've never head a v6 quite like it.

BarrettF77

Direct injection. Nature of the tech.

djejglk

I have a 2013 GLK, and it sounds a little "clackity". I was getting a wheel replaced at the dealer, and they loaned me a 2012, which actually sounded quite a bit smoother. I heard the 2013's have a distinct "rougher" sound because of the new direct injected engine. I don't know that much about engines, but I guess I just convinced myself that it was due to it being a direct injection thing.

What year is your car? If it's a 2013, that may be the case.

CharlieX

Ah, it's a 2013, so there ya go.

Thanks.

rich-96db

Mine sounds the same. One thing I've noticed is that the idle is extremely low (about 500 rpm). Not sure if that contributes to it or not.

My wife's 2013 X-3 sounds exactly the same (and that does have a 4-cylinder).

venchka

Another PLUS for the 2012 model.

Wayne

BarrettF77

Sure are a lot of old ladies in here crying about the sound of their engine. The 2012 looks stale, the 2013 facelift looks much better. Direct injection gives more power and better economy. And the exhaust still sounds good.

Stop crying over this. I'm getting out of a VW lease on a CC VR6 that has direct injection and it makes the same sounds. It's not a big deal. My car has a floating fuel gauge reading and is the reason I'm getting out 2 years early of a lease. Let's talk about real problems or how much we love the benz.

RobMande

That would be my only complaint about the car. From the outside it really doesn't sound good when cold. Or even when you start it sometimes it sounds like the starter is still going much after the car starts. Just doesn't sound very MBish to me. Otherwise love the car.

CharlieX

You don't take casual criticism of your car well, do you?

GLKKa2H

Surely it does - and I'd be worried if it didn't

boylston

I'll take a little extra noise for the increased power and improved fuel economy.
I love my 2013, and think that the model refresh inside and out, enhance the car.

PilotAlan

On my daily commute (50 miles total) my 2013 GLK gets as good a mileage as my 2011 C300 did. I'll take a little noise from the direct injection to get more power, more room, and more ground clearance for the same mileage.

dcjwlee

Just about the same here. Round trip about 40 miles per day. I average the same as my C300, around 23-25 mpg, depending on my driving habits.


To answer the OP - Yes, I do notice some "clatter" that reminds me of a diesel or 4 cylinder. Is it a deal breaker? Absolutely not, especially not after a C300.

Landrover2001

Newbie here from Scottsdale, AZ; have been driving MB since '06. Current rides include a '12 E-Coupe and '13 GLK and both sound like a diesel at start-up due to Direct Injection. Small price to pay, however, as the mileage on both vehicles is outstanding for 6-cylinders (particularly on the 2-ton GLK, I'm averaging 25-26 mpg around town). Further, the start-up 'clatter' on my '12 E-Coupe is noticeably louder than the '13 GLK; evidence that Benz continues to refine and update these [already superb engines] year-after-year. Only wish my '12 had the ECO on/off at stop; Scottsdale has traffic lights every mile or so, and the fuel savings with ECO 'on' is significant.

rmfnla

I had a 1980 MB 240D with the same problem. Turned out the wire for the reserve circuit in the sending unit had come loose and wrapped around the float.

Pulled the sending unit & resoldered the wire; took me about 1/2 hour, including putting away my tools.

That car was the easiest to maintain ever!

rmfnla

And the 2011; I love the way mine sounds!

BarrettF77

Both sender units, pumps, instrumentation, and wiring have been replaced 3 times each. Lemon law kicked in and the manufacturer said it was a design flaw before offering to buy it back. Whether this is true or not the problem has made it frustrating to own and drive. Glad you had a easier fix.

rmfnla

And I'm glad you are getting out of yours!

venchka

2012 Plus Side:
Engine is quiet unless you stick your foot in it. Then it sounds healthy.
The jury is still out on direct injection & Goofy Start/Stop. Given my driving habits, Start/Stop wouldn't do anything for me.
Our exterior/interior decor scheme NOT available for 2013.
Ventilation outlets are UN-Round.
Cornering lamps NOT available. Period. Thanks Gummermint!
We got to enjoy it for an extra 12 months.

Have fun.

Wayne

3.5L

So, what kind of MPG are you getting with your 2013 GLK?

3.5L

TheBestOrNothin

definitely sounds diesel-like in idle
but when you drive, it sounds just fine

Mor4wd

The manual states that the 2013 GLK will have a "noticeably" different exhaust tone upon a cold start and that it has something to do with the warm up procedures for the engine. My guess is that it's putting a little back pressure on the exhaust to give the engine a slight load to speed up the initial warm up. I'd be curious to compare a '12 and a '13 warm up time.

kozak79

I really like how my 2013 sounds. It is not loud to me, sounds similar to other cars I've driven. I'm getting 19 mpg in mostly city driving, which I am very happy with (I have a lead foot). I love the new interior. I looked at the 2012 model a year ago and decided against getting then, It felt a bit dated. Once I saw and drove the 2013, I fell in love and drove it off the lot that day.

TheBestOrNothin

Mercedes definitely listens to their customers.
Mid-cycle refresh: changed over 1000 components of the vehicle
the new interior definitely sold me over.

redrock1

My clk320 sounds like a 300SD I used to have. Shouldn't this gas powered v6 be nearly silent when idling or when stopped? Would thicker oil help? It is definitely a different sound than "ticking" from lifters. It really sounds like a diesel. It's getting embarrassing. Any ideas please?