GLK Let Me Down
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,305
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
GLK Let Me Down
This past weekend, my fiancée and I planned to drive from Las Vegas to San Diego in our 2013 GLK350 4matic. About 90 percent of the way there, by Fallbrook California, driving down I-15, I experienced a short period of whining from the drivetrain, followed by a mechanical shudder. I immediately pulled off of the freeway. I was no longer able to get the car to drive.
Luckily, I have MBRACE and they sent a tow truck to tow the car to MB of Escondido. And, they paid for an Uber from the dealership to my destination.
The service advisor called me today to inform me that the propeller shaft broke and also took out an O2 sensor. About $1200 in parts plus labor, for an estimated total of about $3400. Then the logistics of getting from Las Vegas to Escondido to pick my car up.
I enjoy the car, but this was a let down. I could have been worse I guess. Luckily, I wasn’t driving through the desert in the middle of the night.
Luckily, I have MBRACE and they sent a tow truck to tow the car to MB of Escondido. And, they paid for an Uber from the dealership to my destination.
The service advisor called me today to inform me that the propeller shaft broke and also took out an O2 sensor. About $1200 in parts plus labor, for an estimated total of about $3400. Then the logistics of getting from Las Vegas to Escondido to pick my car up.
I enjoy the car, but this was a let down. I could have been worse I guess. Luckily, I wasn’t driving through the desert in the middle of the night.
Last edited by capt_paul; Mar 22, 2022 at 08:06 AM.
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2013 glk 350
The Glk isn’t that tough , its lightweight in the drivetrain strength. I messed up the front u joint at 70000m but instead of being able to replace a cheap U joint the front driveshaft needed replacing , like you, mb wanted about 3500$ for a few hours work , I got mine done for a total of 600$ With a lifetime part warranty from fcp euro. Besides not being easy to fix or cheap .MB dealers probably charge 1000$ an hour. Your u joint was probably making noise long before it let go, maybe you ignored it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
UPDATE: Upon further inspection, MB of Escondido says that I need a new front differential because of crack in the lower case by the drain bolt area. It requires dropping the front subframe, and a new alignment after completion. The new estimate added $7000 . Stay away from 4matics !!!!!
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
That's some serious damage. The repair cost is half of what I paid for my whole car. EEEK!!!
P.S. Added $7000? So like $10K total?
P.S. Added $7000? So like $10K total?
Last edited by Silver Shadow; Mar 26, 2022 at 08:58 PM.
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
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2013 glk 350
Yea that’s what happens when your ignorant of noises you car makes and you ignore going to a mechanic. And you deal with a MB dealer . I had mine fixed before any big isle for about 650$ total .
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2013 glk 350
Your first mistake was ignoring the noise that the bad u joint made, your second mistake is having an mb dealer stick it in your ***. I heard the noise and fixed it for about 650$. You are being charged maybe 3-4x what the job is worth.
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
OK, maybe my question wasn't clear. Can you (Mmr1) or the OP please describe in detail what warning signs you experienced prior to the failure. I
don't want to be wondering if every strange noise is impending failure, nor do I want to ignore it.
Mmr1: before you replaced yours, was there any noticeable play in the joint?
don't want to be wondering if every strange noise is impending failure, nor do I want to ignore it.
Mmr1: before you replaced yours, was there any noticeable play in the joint?
Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 96
Likes: 25
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
2015 GLK 250 BlueTec with AMG Sport package.
Looking at U-joint and a bearing cap picture it’s been happening for awhile. I don’t think one can hear any noticeable noise when it just starts wearing out - cabin is very well insulated in GLK.
It had to have an audible clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse or at least chirping/grinding when driving with windows down.
The best way to detect these is to get your hands dirty and inspect car underneath once a year. Prop shaft is easily checked for excessive play while parked AND you’ll hear that clunk right away.
It had to have an audible clunk when shifting from Drive to Reverse or at least chirping/grinding when driving with windows down.
The best way to detect these is to get your hands dirty and inspect car underneath once a year. Prop shaft is easily checked for excessive play while parked AND you’ll hear that clunk right away.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 4
From: DFW, Texas
GLK350 4Matic
That sucks big time but glad you were able to stop and weren't in an accident. How many miles on it? I've got a 2010 4matic with 115k.
This past weekend, my fiancée and I planned to drive from Las Vegas to San Diego in our 2013 GLK350 4matic. About 90 percent of the way there, by Fallbrook California, driving down I-15, I experienced a short period of whining from the drivetrain, followed by a mechanical shudder. I immediately pulled off of the freeway. I was no longer able to get the car to drive.
Luckily, I have MBRACE and they sent a tow truck to tow the car to MB of Escondido. And, they paid for an Uber from the dealership to my destination.
The service advisor called me today to inform me that the propeller shaft broke and also took out an O2 sensor. About $1200 in parts plus labor, for an estimated total of about $3400. Then the logistics of getting from Las Vegas to Escondido to pick my car up.
I enjoy the car, but this was a let down. I could have been worse I guess. Luckily, I wasn’t driving through the desert in the middle of the night.
Luckily, I have MBRACE and they sent a tow truck to tow the car to MB of Escondido. And, they paid for an Uber from the dealership to my destination.
The service advisor called me today to inform me that the propeller shaft broke and also took out an O2 sensor. About $1200 in parts plus labor, for an estimated total of about $3400. Then the logistics of getting from Las Vegas to Escondido to pick my car up.
I enjoy the car, but this was a let down. I could have been worse I guess. Luckily, I wasn’t driving through the desert in the middle of the night.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Likes: 4
From: DFW, Texas
GLK350 4Matic
None of your reply was appropriate. You don't know if there was any noise, not everyone is a mechanic, and some people prefer to have MB do the work.
There is no need to be rude or insulting.
There is no need to be rude or insulting.
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
Having MBRACE, I contacted them through the overhead panel. They recognized my location an set up tow to the nearest dealership, which happened to be MB of Escondido. They also paid for the Uber from the dealership to our hotel in San Diego.
If this happened while I was in my home of Las Vegas, I would have possibly had it towed to an Indy mechanic to have the repair performed cheaper.
To those that think that I don’t know how to do maintenance or seem like I am some kind of idiot can kiss my ***. I have 3 MB vehicles and do all of the normal maintenance myself, in addition to performing numerous retrofits of Mercedes options. I am equipped with pretty much everything that I need, including Xentry with WIS/EPC, and Vidiamo
I believe that this is a Mercedes Benz designs flaw, as they could have had some kind of mid-propeller shaft mount so that when the U-joint decides to explode, the shaft would not fly around damaging parts along the way.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: WI
GLK 250
I definitely feel for your misfortune. It's a good thing you started pulling off the freeway when you heard unusual noises. I think the carnage would've been worse had you still been flying 80+ mph when it finally let go. That half-shaft could've taken out your transmission and a bunch of other things in the area. Still, it sucks to be let down by a vehicle you maintain.
As for internet commenters who assume too much: try not to let it get to you. Most of us would probably behave far better (I hope) if we were speaking face to face. On the interwebs, ppl may act like jerks on a whim. Other times the same folks are going thru their own issues and end up venting to some poor unsuspecting soul. It happens, so I'd suggest we extend more grace especially when we don't feel like it.
So what's the plan with the repairs exactly? What's getting replaced, what can be salvaged, how long will it take and what do you think about doing with the car when you get it back?
As for internet commenters who assume too much: try not to let it get to you. Most of us would probably behave far better (I hope) if we were speaking face to face. On the interwebs, ppl may act like jerks on a whim. Other times the same folks are going thru their own issues and end up venting to some poor unsuspecting soul. It happens, so I'd suggest we extend more grace especially when we don't feel like it.
So what's the plan with the repairs exactly? What's getting replaced, what can be salvaged, how long will it take and what do you think about doing with the car when you get it back?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
After 18 years of being on these forums, I have definitely noticed an increase of troll-like responses instead of Mercedes enthusiasts.
Currently, the parts are being ordered, and hopefully, get her back on the road by mid-April. I still love the GLK and plan on keeping it in my stable. It is pretty much loaded with almost every option sans the ILS and Keyless Go. I have already retrofitted the MB trailer hitch and power folding exterior rear view mirrors. There is no corrosion anywhere on the car, and aside from this major issue, I have not had any issues with the vehicle.
Like my 2005 Kleemann C230, I will drive it past 150k miles …
Currently, the parts are being ordered, and hopefully, get her back on the road by mid-April. I still love the GLK and plan on keeping it in my stable. It is pretty much loaded with almost every option sans the ILS and Keyless Go. I have already retrofitted the MB trailer hitch and power folding exterior rear view mirrors. There is no corrosion anywhere on the car, and aside from this major issue, I have not had any issues with the vehicle.
Like my 2005 Kleemann C230, I will drive it past 150k miles …
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From: WI
GLK 250
It's good to hear you haven't given up on it.
Those mods you did (trailer hitch and folding mirrors) are exactly what's missing from my GLK, and I'd love to add them as OE-style mods. The ILS headlamps are really awesome and should be standard equipment on an MB, if you ask me...
I'd love some pointers/tips on adding the trailer "package" and doing the folding mirrors, when you have some time.
And good luck with the repairs, looking forward to hearing you've got her back out on the road all fixed up!
Those mods you did (trailer hitch and folding mirrors) are exactly what's missing from my GLK, and I'd love to add them as OE-style mods. The ILS headlamps are really awesome and should be standard equipment on an MB, if you ask me...
I'd love some pointers/tips on adding the trailer "package" and doing the folding mirrors, when you have some time.
And good luck with the repairs, looking forward to hearing you've got her back out on the road all fixed up!
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Joined: Mar 2013
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It's good to hear you haven't given up on it.
Those mods you did (trailer hitch and folding mirrors) are exactly what's missing from my GLK, and I'd love to add them as OE-style mods. The ILS headlamps are really awesome and should be standard equipment on an MB, if you ask me...
I'd love some pointers/tips on adding the trailer "package" and doing the folding mirrors, when you have some time.
And good luck with the repairs, looking forward to hearing you've got her back out on the road all fixed up!
Those mods you did (trailer hitch and folding mirrors) are exactly what's missing from my GLK, and I'd love to add them as OE-style mods. The ILS headlamps are really awesome and should be standard equipment on an MB, if you ask me...
I'd love some pointers/tips on adding the trailer "package" and doing the folding mirrors, when you have some time.
And good luck with the repairs, looking forward to hearing you've got her back out on the road all fixed up!
Also feeling bad for Capt Paul's situation and definitely get the frustration.
On a side note, I've thought about the folding mirror thing many times. Is it really a good idea? In theory, if your mirrors are "out" other drivers will likely give that little bit of extra room when going past your vehicle. With the mirrors folded they may not. So... if their "closeness calculations" are a bit off, for whatever reason, it may be the difference between taking out your mirror or side swiping a whole section of your car. Just my three cents.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: WI
GLK 250
Your $0.03 will need to be adjusted again, for inflation, later today 
You raise a good point. However, having electric folding mirrors on my other car I've seen how useful and convenient they are. This is especially true in the drive-thru (especially the car wash type) and in tighter parking spots when parking next to perhaps a bigger vehicle. It also provides a little more space when walking between both cars in the garage.
Also, having been sideswiped while parked before, I can tell you the mirror not being folded didn't prevent anyone from miscalculating. Glad to have moved out of Chicago with all the street parking...
You raise a good point. However, having electric folding mirrors on my other car I've seen how useful and convenient they are. This is especially true in the drive-thru (especially the car wash type) and in tighter parking spots when parking next to perhaps a bigger vehicle. It also provides a little more space when walking between both cars in the garage.
Also, having been sideswiped while parked before, I can tell you the mirror not being folded didn't prevent anyone from miscalculating. Glad to have moved out of Chicago with all the street parking...
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Your $0.03 will need to be adjusted again, for inflation, later today
You raise a good point. However, having electric folding mirrors on my other car I've seen how useful and convenient they are. This is especially true in the drive-thru (especially the car wash type) and in tighter parking spots when parking next to perhaps a bigger vehicle. It also provides a little more space when walking between both cars in the garage.
Also, having been sideswiped while parked before, I can tell you the mirror not being folded didn't prevent anyone from miscalculating. Glad to have moved out of Chicago with all the street parking...
You raise a good point. However, having electric folding mirrors on my other car I've seen how useful and convenient they are. This is especially true in the drive-thru (especially the car wash type) and in tighter parking spots when parking next to perhaps a bigger vehicle. It also provides a little more space when walking between both cars in the garage.
Also, having been sideswiped while parked before, I can tell you the mirror not being folded didn't prevent anyone from miscalculating. Glad to have moved out of Chicago with all the street parking...
I was already trying to adjust for inflation but I may have underestimated.
Not sure that folding or not folding a mirror in a car wash makes much difference. To me it's six of one or half a dozen of the other. Certainly folding them in tight spots can be useful and is easily done manually. Okay, not as convenient as just pushing a button but...
Where I live the roads, on average, are much narrower than in the U.S. Parking spots are considerably narrower too. Then again, many of the vehicles in the states are larger than elsewhere. As far as someone hitting just your mirror vs. the side of your car... well that's just alignment of the planets, luck etc. on a given day.
Would much prefer the wide angle viewing portion on the outside mirrors, like in most of the world, to cover the blind spots. This was not permitted on U.S. market cars for the longest time. Maybe it is now.
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
I was already trying to adjust for inflation but I may have underestimated.
Not sure that folding or not folding a mirror in a car wash makes much difference. To me it's six of one or half a dozen of the other. Certainly folding them in tight spots can be useful and is easily done manually. Okay, not as convenient as just pushing a button but...
Where I live the roads, on average, are much narrower than in the U.S. Parking spots are considerably narrower too. Then again, many of the vehicles in the states are larger than elsewhere. As far as someone hitting just your mirror vs. the side of your car... well that's just alignment of the planets, luck etc. on a given day.
Would much prefer the wide angle viewing portion on the outside mirrors, like in most of the world, to cover the blind spots. This was not permitted on U.S. market cars for the longest time. Maybe it is now.
Not sure that folding or not folding a mirror in a car wash makes much difference. To me it's six of one or half a dozen of the other. Certainly folding them in tight spots can be useful and is easily done manually. Okay, not as convenient as just pushing a button but...
Where I live the roads, on average, are much narrower than in the U.S. Parking spots are considerably narrower too. Then again, many of the vehicles in the states are larger than elsewhere. As far as someone hitting just your mirror vs. the side of your car... well that's just alignment of the planets, luck etc. on a given day.
Would much prefer the wide angle viewing portion on the outside mirrors, like in most of the world, to cover the blind spots. This was not permitted on U.S. market cars for the longest time. Maybe it is now.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 915
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Yikes:
The big advantage of the power folding mirrors for me is being able to get closer to ATM machine or driver thru windows without fear of scrapping the mirror housing. Also, like previous posters stated, creates extra room between two cars, and going through car washes. Depending on how your GLK is optioned, you may need two door control modules in addition to the two power folding mirror frames. You will have to have code 500 added into VEDOK and then some SCN coding to get the feature to work.
Now offer me ventilated seats for my GLK and I'm in! :-)
