Newbie and fan here.

I just purchased a 2012 GLK350 with 85,000k miles on it. Killer deal ($9500).
exterior and interior are flawless. Did a vin check, it was a lease, then a purchase, then it ended up at an auction, picked up by a dealer, and sold to last owner who bought for his fiancé who left him after a couple months.

Its a clean title, curious how it ended up at auction (repo?).

Anyway, I’m SURE the last owner barely drove it and when he did it was very kindly...but still can’t be sure with previous owners.

my questions are:
1. What if anything are the main issues and what should I look out for?
2. Should I use authorized dealer for scheduled maintenance.
3. I have a trusted mechanic for 20 years,but also first time Benz owner...could he still be a viable option or go to dealer?
4. I like to work on my own car (Jeep owner) curious what things on the GLK get to be regularly maintained to keep the car going as long as possible.
5. Some scuffs on chrome trim...best fix?
6. Anyone upgrade their display to android? Best cost effective way to do this? Also please share brands and success stories with this.
7. Thank you!

 

Yes Go to a dealer if you want to pay 30-70% more, sure your mechanic or you can do work on it. First thing I’d do Is a trans service, mb recommended length is to long, 35000 miles is now recommended because of failures, mine was slipping at 65000, new oil fixed it.

The trans - transfer case fail. Transmission- transfer case, both share the same oil , the transfer case is part of the transmission. On my 13 it is about 750$ at mb and 450 at independent.

Buy your fluid, filter , gasket at FCP euro. That way you know you have the right stuff. Not some autozone generic bs.

If it’s the same as my 13 you need a mechanic that’s KNOWS mb sealed transmissions, that you pump oil UP into it to refill , and test fill level by running the motor, while it’s on a lift, with drain plug open, testing the transmission temperature with a plugged in diagnostic tool, and sealing it when it reaches the specified temperature! It’s Very complicated. Not DIY. The 13 has no dipstick or hole to fill it on top of the transmission, it’s MBs stupid idea that it never needed service until they failed at 35000.

DIY your motor oil . MB spec oil is cheapest at Walmart, 0-40 Mobil 1. Get a filter on Amazon for 10$, maybe FCP euro is better for your purchase since you know it will be correct , Fcp uses your Vin to get you the correct parts. Do the drain fill, I tried the pump out method and couldn’t get it all out.

Be sure it’s exactly the same or you will ruin the motor, a one year different motor -filter design can stop oil flow and kill the motor . Be sure they look the same while changing the filter!

Go to a 5/6000 motor oil mile change. And 35000 transmission change .

Coolant, doing a simple radiator drain refill is easy while doing oil . At 9 years -85000 it’s due. Get 3 quarts of 50/50 of the proper stuff ( I forgot the type)

FCP Euro guarantees everything they sell, even oil, (I wonder if anyone ever returned old oil ) they have complete transmission kits, oil and everything you can ever need.

 

Welcome!

The GLK being sold at auction wouldn't worry me. Cars are bought and sold at auction by dealers and independents daily. If the car has good service records and no accidents, that's more important.

Onto your Qs:
1. You didn't mention if it's a 4Matic, so we'll assume it's not. The M276 motor is stout, but there are a few small issues that can crop up. I'd check motor mounts for starters. Coils packs and plugs, if they haven't been done. Plugs are no fun from what I've read.

2, 3. No, use your trusted Indy if he's comfortable with Euro cars and has the necessary tech/diag tools. Otherwise find a new Indy.

4. Oil changes, brakes, filters will be pretty much the typical owner DIY stuff. Get the owner's manual maintenance schedule and follow it

5. I'd try some Meguiar's polishing compound.

6. There are a few threads on upgrading headunit but it's expensive and involved. I'd skip it.

 

I did my differentials at 65000 , it would be a good idea since you don’t know what it’s been through and about 100$ Labor , again get your oil at FCP Euro, I think one of them has to be pumped in from the bottom , so get fill amounts needed. Yea stupid mb couldn’t put in a top oil fill hole. Check if battery is original , an AGM is Used.

 

lots of good advice here. I still have my 2012 GLK 350 4matic that I bought new. Been a great car.

The chrome you’re talking about is a plastic. Depending how bad it is you should be able to buff it with a 3 stage polish. I use Presta (hard to find) but chemical guys has some good stuff too.

change your cabin air filter. It’s under the glove box and an easy DIY job.

like others mentioned. If you’re going to an independent shop, make sure they have experience with Benz. Also get the Tranny serviced and a Service B

 

I've owned my 2010 GLK350 since I purchased it new in March 2009. It was serviced exclusively through the dealer for the first 5 years, then I found a reputable MB only independent shop to do the work. However, I decided to do the maintenance myself the past 3 years, and I wish I have done this from the start. These are really not that hard to work on especially if you have some mechanical ability. Buy parts from fcpeuro.com unless you want to put in upgraded performance parts. Even though the independent shop was much less expensive than the dealer, doing it yourself is much cheaper and better because you tend to do a more complete job and take care of the "while you're in there" things.