koalatm

We're in the market to replace my wife's 6-year old Toyota Yaris, and with a family coming, we've really zeroed in on the GLK250. Briefly drove it last week and the torque is pretty incredible.

I've done some searching for previous discussions and although I've been able to answer most of my questions this way, there were a couple I'm still a bit unsure about.

First and foremost. Does anyone have any feedback on oil consumption? My wife is not the type of person to check her oil, so I'm concerned about a diesel based on this. Does the GLK have a digital oil read out or is it the good 'ol dipstick method?

Has anyone successfully negotiated a tire replacement? I had run-flat tires on my Z4 M Coupe and they were horrid. When we test drove the vehicle, it had the AMG pkg so not sure if the rough ride was just due to 20" wheels or the RFT.

Has anyone found an economical alternative for the diesel additive, rather than the dealer? They quoted us $360 for an "A" service and $650 for a "B" service, both of which sound absolutely ridiculous.

Lastly, we're also trying to decide between taking a remaining 2013 or factory ordering a 2014. It looks like the '14 is going to have a 360 degree camera, but to get the nav. package now it appears the premium pack becomes a requirement.

Thanks so much for any feedback!

Bob338

After reading all the negativity about the runflats, I talked to my dealer about it. He told me that if I didn't like them he would replace them with regular tires when the car got here. No problem and no cost. After driving the car in Europe over some pretty bad roads, I could tell the tires were far firmer than regular tires but i didn't find them objectionable for my use. What to do about a spare for regular tires, also became an issue. I opted to stay with the run flats that I've had on an E350 and found absolutely no problems with them

I think this is a personal choice and to some degree dictated by your use and the roads in your are, along with your own sensitivities.
Any additive of quality from a good auto parts store will do just fine. Totally agree with you on the service charge but you can do it cheaper with a certified indie, which I intend to do and have done with my E350.
This is totally a matter of price and what is important to you. I have no use for that camera and I didn't figure for the deal I got, that the savings on 'value' and that extra year of depreciation, was worth it to wait for the 2014. There's not much difference in the car or equipment. I was able to eliminate the pano roof which I didn't want (have NEVER opened the one on the E350 for which I had to pay!) They were forcing you to take the roof on the package I wanted but there was a small window after I placed my order where they allowed eliminating it. I did that immediately, then I understand they once again required it. My decisions were made base on $$$ and convenience for factory delivery. Yours should probably be like wise.

bugelrex

I believe u can get the nav separately. Choose Becker pre-wiring for 200 and then choose becker map pilot for 600.

I find the POI and routing could be better and the UI is not intuitive. However it is v nicely itegrated (some instructions show on cluster dash too) and there is plenty of notice with street names and re-routes quickly. However 100 bucks each time u want map updates..

ble2716

Hi koalatm,
by looking at your location, which is Calgary AB, you'll get regular tires if you order the GLK250.

Gt. Dane

I have almost 12,000km on mine and the oil is down less than 1/3. You shoul have no problem checking the oil level once in a while for her and be safe. There is a warning that comes up when the minimum level is reached "Check Engine Oil at Next Refueling"

koalatm

So here in Canada the tires are standard and not run-flats? That is wonderful news if true!

Gt. Dane

You get regular tires but no spare. Just a fill kit (foam).

koalatm

Perfect, that's great news. Less unsprung weight, too!

Rascally Wabbit

I would carefully review the options on the 2013. If anything is missing (trailer hitch?) I would definitely order a 2014. Add on costs at the dealership will wind up costing way more than if ordered with the vehicle. Good luck!

koalatm

Well, we ordered a 2014! The negotiated pricing between the two model years, at least here in Canada, is such a small difference that we decided to wait for exactly the spec we wanted... plus the updated camera, nav system and transmission software are all appealing to us.

Thanks for your help everyone!

rmeier1

I recently received my 2014 Blue Tec with the extended mobility tires. The ride is firm but better than the 2007 Subaru Legacy GT I traded. Thought they felt a bit
harder than they should and found all 4 inflated 7-8 lbs above recommended cold
pressure. The urea solution, (DEF / AD Blue), is available in auto stores and on line
for $6-$8 a gallon.

Jyhudon

This is not quite right. Canadian GLK250 comes with Pirelli Scorpio zero assymetrico run on flat.

koalatm

My dealer confirmed they are not run-flat tires.

Jyhudon

My glk came with these tires http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/ww/en/su...immetrico.html

rmeier1

My U.S. 2014 GLK250 came with Dunlop Grandtrek Touring A/S... MOE tires.
MOE tires are not rated to run flat specifications, so they can't be called that.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...sp?techid=234&

fabbrisd1

Nice update - and MOE spec is by design more "comfortable" and better handling than previous "run flats" on either MB or BMW

koalatm

I'd be fine with them if they're MOE tires. That, combined with the flat repair kit and air compressor is probably all a person really needs in most cases.

Alex Bel

I just came back from Germany after taking ED of 2014 GLK250BT and dropping off the car in Frankfurt for US shipping. I drove a bit more than 1200 km and can firmly confirm "high levels of comfort" with these MOE tires. No complains at all. As many owners reported on this forum the car (US delivery) has only a jack in the trunk and not anything else ( like compressor, tire repair kit, etc.).

A few weeks ago the MB service department assured me that these tires (if needed) are available in their Chicago warehouse, $380 a piece. And with more cars on US roads these tires will be more available.

sm001988

Hi,
I'm considering to order one and just want to compare offers. What is the final deal that you got?

Thanks!

koalatm

We received about 4.4% off MSRP. Less than I had hoped for, and I probably would have shopped around more but my wife wanted to get it done.