Problems with 2013 GLK 350 ?
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Audi A4
Problems with 2013 GLK 350 ?
Hi all,
I am currently expecting twins and having to upgrade my Audi A4 to a small SUV. I don't like the rounded look of the Audi Q5, so I ruled that out. But now I am torn between the GLK 350 and the BMW X3. I am aware of many OEM issues with the X3 that I have read about on the BMW forums... Just wondering if any of you have had/heard about common issues with the 2013 GLK? Based on my google search, I am not seeing much.
The other question I have: are there any OEM GLK 350 parts/features that you wish you had the dealer change when you took delivery of yours? For example, most OEM tires leave something to be desired.
MANY THANKS in advance!
I am currently expecting twins and having to upgrade my Audi A4 to a small SUV. I don't like the rounded look of the Audi Q5, so I ruled that out. But now I am torn between the GLK 350 and the BMW X3. I am aware of many OEM issues with the X3 that I have read about on the BMW forums... Just wondering if any of you have had/heard about common issues with the 2013 GLK? Based on my google search, I am not seeing much.
The other question I have: are there any OEM GLK 350 parts/features that you wish you had the dealer change when you took delivery of yours? For example, most OEM tires leave something to be desired.
MANY THANKS in advance!
Last edited by dariasofi; Apr 5, 2013 at 11:54 AM.
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2023 GLC 300 2022 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
I own a 2013 GLK350 and my wife has a 2013 X3. Both have about 10,000 miles on them and I drive both quite a bit. The GLK350 has not required any unscheduled service. The X3 was taken in for a common issue with a coolant sensor.
If you're stuck between the two, here's how I break it down:
X3 Advantages:
- More leg room in back seat
- Bigger storage area
- 48 months of covered maintenance
- Larger info screen, which can be programmed into a split view
GLK350 Advantages:
- Much better base engine (X3 28i is a four cylinder)
- Much smoother Eco mode (X3 noticably shakes when starting back up)
- Much smoother ride (X3 has run-flats and the ride is rough)
- MB Tex seats actually look and feel better than the X3's leather seats
- I find the Command system way easier to use than iDrive
If you're stuck between the two, here's how I break it down:
X3 Advantages:
- More leg room in back seat
- Bigger storage area
- 48 months of covered maintenance
- Larger info screen, which can be programmed into a split view
GLK350 Advantages:
- Much better base engine (X3 28i is a four cylinder)
- Much smoother Eco mode (X3 noticably shakes when starting back up)
- Much smoother ride (X3 has run-flats and the ride is rough)
- MB Tex seats actually look and feel better than the X3's leather seats
- I find the Command system way easier to use than iDrive
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2013 GLK 350
I just got a loaded 2013, I love the mercedes distronic plus, it makes cruise control so much easier, and the car will literally pace any car ahead of you, if they slow down or stop ahead of you, it slows down and stops very smoothly without you even having to touch the brakes. I also love the AMG and lighting packages, that made a huge difference in appearance, it looks really nice! My buddy has the new x3. It's really nice, and the info screen is huge! Haven't really ridden in it, but I am in love with my GLK and wouldn't even consider the x3.
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'09 BMW e92 N54 (x)
We just purchased a GLK350 after cross-shopping extensively with the X3 (the 35 model). In the end, we took the GLK because we liked the styling (and also actively disliked the BMW styling). However, we liked the drive of the BMW better (but that's very subjective -- we like the stiffer ride and tighter handling, but others like the more comfortable feel of the GLK). The BMW sport seats are also great (and the GLK seats are, to us, below average with little to no side-bolster support).
The one big thing to look at in your case would be roominess. The cars are fairly similar in size, but the X3 does have the edge on cargo space and rear seat room. We don't have kids yet, so we figured it wouldn't be a huge deal even if we have one soon. But in your case, with twins on the way, you'll have two rear-facing car seats.
Since we knew that a car seat would most likely come into play in the future, we took a couple of car seats from a friend (both rear facing and front-facing booster) to the dealership (one of those rare but SO useful combined MB/BMW dealers) and tried them out. The GLK can handle the car seat, but we did find we had to put the passenger seat forward quite a bit. With twins, you'll have to put the driver's seat far forward too.
If you haven't already, I suggest you take a car seat and try it out in both cars and see. If either one seems like more of a hassle than the other on a daily basis, any other benefits might not be worth it to you.
The one big thing to look at in your case would be roominess. The cars are fairly similar in size, but the X3 does have the edge on cargo space and rear seat room. We don't have kids yet, so we figured it wouldn't be a huge deal even if we have one soon. But in your case, with twins on the way, you'll have two rear-facing car seats.
Since we knew that a car seat would most likely come into play in the future, we took a couple of car seats from a friend (both rear facing and front-facing booster) to the dealership (one of those rare but SO useful combined MB/BMW dealers) and tried them out. The GLK can handle the car seat, but we did find we had to put the passenger seat forward quite a bit. With twins, you'll have to put the driver's seat far forward too.
If you haven't already, I suggest you take a car seat and try it out in both cars and see. If either one seems like more of a hassle than the other on a daily basis, any other benefits might not be worth it to you.
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
If you will have twins I would not even consider the GLK as the rear facing car seat will push the front seats to the point that you wont feel comfortable driving the car. I would say consider the ML or acura MDX or get a van.
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Bremen
The 2013 GLK is built in Bremen and feels like a MB. If you can get/order one without the pano roof you are leaving out the only known issue. This applies to pano roofs from any German manufacturer. BTW the GLK has an Active Suspension that changes when you go from E mode to "Sport" mode by pressing the button. The car does learn how you like to drive. The power is reassuring.
My wife had an X3 and thought it was not up to her standards.
I drove all small SUVs before I made the recommendations that she try the new Acura, the Infiniti, and the GLK.
There was no contest.
BTW idrive still has problems it was poorly designed from the get go and all the other SUVs eco gimmicks have drivability issues based on my, and her driving.
My wife had an X3 and thought it was not up to her standards.
I drove all small SUVs before I made the recommendations that she try the new Acura, the Infiniti, and the GLK.
There was no contest.
BTW idrive still has problems it was poorly designed from the get go and all the other SUVs eco gimmicks have drivability issues based on my, and her driving.
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Is the pano. roof still an issue/hit or miss? Problems leaking? Wind noise?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Search on pano roofs or whatever
It been a problem on and off since the 90's. I haven't checked if the post purchase production has the problems but we did not go there since we ordered it without in August since they halted production with the pano option. Someone with years of experience told us to avoid it. If you own a good one, enjoy!
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It been a problem on and off since the 90's. I haven't checked if the post purchase production has the problems but we did not go there since we ordered it without in August since they halted production with the pano option. Someone with years of experience told us to avoid it. If you own a good one, enjoy!
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none
I haven't found any real difference between C/E mode and "Sport".
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From: Toronto
my wife bananas! :D
congrats on the twins
+1
this is absolutely true. when my daugther had her rear facing seats installed, it eats up a ton of room. with twins, the driver side is affected as well. The GLK nor the X3 unfortunately are good for twins. you will outgrow both suvs in a matter of days after the twins are born.
you need a larger vehicle as carry capacity and comfort is key. With the glk, the trunk just fits our stokke nicely.... and that's just one kid's stuff. you will have 2.
we are looking to expand our family as well and once the glk lease is up, we'll be moving onto a larger vehicle. the GLK imo is better than the x3 for many of the reasons listed but is physically too small to be a good twin carrier.
this is absolutely true. when my daugther had her rear facing seats installed, it eats up a ton of room. with twins, the driver side is affected as well. The GLK nor the X3 unfortunately are good for twins. you will outgrow both suvs in a matter of days after the twins are born.
you need a larger vehicle as carry capacity and comfort is key. With the glk, the trunk just fits our stokke nicely.... and that's just one kid's stuff. you will have 2.
we are looking to expand our family as well and once the glk lease is up, we'll be moving onto a larger vehicle. the GLK imo is better than the x3 for many of the reasons listed but is physically too small to be a good twin carrier.
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
I agree it is not active like ABC. However, have you read the description on the German MB site of the suspension and how the shock damping, etc., are sensor controlled?
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From: NYC
2015 E63S AMG & 2013 GLK350
I picked the GLK over the X3 for myself but I have to agree with needing more space with twins, even one child can tax the space of a GLK IMHO. When my daughter was born in '05 we went out and got an ML and I was amazed at how much stuff infants and small children come with lol sometimes filling the ML. I couldn't imagine with two, which is one of the reasons we stopped at one. Finally able to get into GLK now that she's 7 and drags along much less stuff 
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From: Coquitlam, BC
2010 BMW 335d, 2013 GLK250
Just picked up a GLK250 over the X3 too, mainly because the X3 doesn't have a diesel option at this time. The X3 is the better handler without question but I already have a decently sporty sedan to have fun in. For what I'm looking, the GLK is just the right blend of sport and comfort.
I recommend trying out the diesel if you haven't already done so. It's very frugal and decently powerful for everyday grocery getting. I'm averaging 7 - 8L/100km in mostly city traffic with less than 1000km on the car. If you're looking for something faster, then by all means go for the 350.
I will also echo the same opinion as the others regarding baby seats although I don't have a family. The GLK is one of the smallest crossover in its class so I'm not sure how well that will fare with 2 bulky baby seats.
I recommend trying out the diesel if you haven't already done so. It's very frugal and decently powerful for everyday grocery getting. I'm averaging 7 - 8L/100km in mostly city traffic with less than 1000km on the car. If you're looking for something faster, then by all means go for the 350.
I will also echo the same opinion as the others regarding baby seats although I don't have a family. The GLK is one of the smallest crossover in its class so I'm not sure how well that will fare with 2 bulky baby seats.
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From: Westchester County, NY
GLK350,Ford Escape,Camry,C280
My brother in law bought the GL when he had twins. Needed the room. My kids are grown and I am moving from an Escape to the GLK. Ford ruined the Escape for '13 and I wanted a Benz.....
