GLK250 Engine Shaking
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
GLK250 Engine Shaking
Hello Forum friends,
I'm looking at a used GLK250 but have a question. I have never owned a Diesel car before so I know they have their quirks. I found a very nice condition GLK250 however when I looked at the engine, I notice it was shaking, mostly on the side of the turbo. This would not be my first Benz and I notice MB is very refined but is this a character of the diesel engine?
Thanks
I'm looking at a used GLK250 but have a question. I have never owned a Diesel car before so I know they have their quirks. I found a very nice condition GLK250 however when I looked at the engine, I notice it was shaking, mostly on the side of the turbo. This would not be my first Benz and I notice MB is very refined but is this a character of the diesel engine?
Thanks
Last edited by Cosworth2000; Dec 2, 2023 at 10:13 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 78
From: Toronto, Canada
GLC300 (mine) GLK250 (wife's)
Please explain. Is the shaking isolated to the turbo or is the whole engine shaking?
My wife's GLK250 engine is so stable that (apart from the sound) it's hard to tell that it's running. There could be a number of causes including engine mounts or engine issues. I would have the engine scanned for codes and take a look at the mounts.
Good luck
My wife's GLK250 engine is so stable that (apart from the sound) it's hard to tell that it's running. There could be a number of causes including engine mounts or engine issues. I would have the engine scanned for codes and take a look at the mounts.
Good luck
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
Thanks,
Yes, I scanned the car and there was nothing but I will do it again when we drive it for a test today.
Yes, the whole engine shakes but it look like just on the side of the turbo.
Yes, I scanned the car and there was nothing but I will do it again when we drive it for a test today.
Yes, the whole engine shakes but it look like just on the side of the turbo.
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2013 glk 350
I don’t know diesel , but shaking is not normal. Pay a mechanic to go over it . Always a smart thing BEFORE a purchase. Remember, cars are sold to get RID of a persons problem . At least an inspection will get you a much better price . And you really need proof of maintenance.
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From: WI
GLK 250
Documentation of services performed would be a good start. It shouldn't be visibly shaking, that would be indicative of a bad motor mount. If you can see the engine shaking then you can probably feel it in the steering as well.
Motor mount replacement on GLK Bluetecs are much more involved since they're all 4Matic as well (at least on this side of the pond). That means an expensive repair. I got a quote from an Indy for both motor mounts and it was $2300; not that I need it, but just for planning purposes.
I'd keep looking if I were you. At least you'd have something to compare it to.
Motor mount replacement on GLK Bluetecs are much more involved since they're all 4Matic as well (at least on this side of the pond). That means an expensive repair. I got a quote from an Indy for both motor mounts and it was $2300; not that I need it, but just for planning purposes.
I'd keep looking if I were you. At least you'd have something to compare it to.
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2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
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"MBTrueNorth is quickly becoming the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast group in North America. We host events, track days, rallies, photoshoots, show & shines, charity days, and much more! "
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2011 GLK 350 4Matic
I assume that swapping motor mounts on a diesel GLK 4Matic is similar to doing the same on a petrol (gas...) variant. Yes, that means it's a big job.
It IS a DIY-able repair though. At least if you have a well-stocked tool bin, have plenty of patience, and are physically fit enough to wrestle the front half of the exhaust system out of the car. Takes a couple special tools and a heap of patience. But the difference between the old and new mounts is night and day...
Here's a short(ish) video showing the difference between the old and new mounts (showing engine shake and cockpit noise, as well as the "shrinkage" of the old mount)...
It IS a DIY-able repair though. At least if you have a well-stocked tool bin, have plenty of patience, and are physically fit enough to wrestle the front half of the exhaust system out of the car. Takes a couple special tools and a heap of patience. But the difference between the old and new mounts is night and day...
Here's a short(ish) video showing the difference between the old and new mounts (showing engine shake and cockpit noise, as well as the "shrinkage" of the old mount)...
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From: WI
GLK 250
No doubt new mounts will be night and day, especially on an older car with lots of miles. However, I would advise replacing the OE mounts only if they're leaking or actually broken in any way. Settling and compressing is normal over time and miles. The new mounts will also settle in, just like new suspension components do.
If you're not seeing any leakage of the motor mounts, or a completely collapsed mount, or visible shaking of the engine (especially under load) or bad vibration in the seats or steering wheel, I would leave the motor mounts be.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer in preventive maintenance; motor mounts are not on that list. Now, if you have to lift the engine to fix some something then sure, might as well throw new mounts on. That's not typically required though.
If you're not seeing any leakage of the motor mounts, or a completely collapsed mount, or visible shaking of the engine (especially under load) or bad vibration in the seats or steering wheel, I would leave the motor mounts be.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer in preventive maintenance; motor mounts are not on that list. Now, if you have to lift the engine to fix some something then sure, might as well throw new mounts on. That's not typically required though.
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2011 GLK 350 4Matic
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
You misinterpreted ... "MBTrueNorth" is a Mercedes forum with a focus on folks in Canada ... it's not a "garage".
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"MBTrueNorth is quickly becoming the largest Mercedes-Benz enthusiast group in North America. We host events, track days, rallies, photoshoots, show & shines, charity days, and much more! "
Thread Starter
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
Anyways, the car was perfect condition and was load with everything since I have noticed many people who ordered their GLK didn't order everything.
We have the Harmon Karden system which also gave us the full colour screen, Driver package and heated steering wheel. It runs amazing and I can't believe how good it is on diesel as you can drive from Toronto to Buffalo and back on one tank of diesel and have a 25% fuel left. If I drive my car, I have to fuel up to get back from Buffalo to Toronto.
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From: WI
GLK 250
Then I guess "welcome!" is in order, and congrats on the GLK250.
Most likely the DEF fault was the in-tank heater element had failed, leading to error lights on the dash and eventually limp mode. The MB fix is to replace the entire DEF/AdBlue tank assembly, but if you've had the AEM warranty work done it should be covered. In fact, the AEM warranty covers a ton of parts, you may want to look it up as I'm not sure what may be different north of the border.
My advice would be to run only "premium" DEF fluid going forward, which will help prevent future issues in the DEF system such as crystalized buildup on the SCR injector and other issues. It costs a bit more but it's well worth it IMO and you don't need MB-specific or branded DEF fluid. Any auto parts store that carries regular DEF fluid should also carry the premium.
Most likely the DEF fault was the in-tank heater element had failed, leading to error lights on the dash and eventually limp mode. The MB fix is to replace the entire DEF/AdBlue tank assembly, but if you've had the AEM warranty work done it should be covered. In fact, the AEM warranty covers a ton of parts, you may want to look it up as I'm not sure what may be different north of the border.
My advice would be to run only "premium" DEF fluid going forward, which will help prevent future issues in the DEF system such as crystalized buildup on the SCR injector and other issues. It costs a bit more but it's well worth it IMO and you don't need MB-specific or branded DEF fluid. Any auto parts store that carries regular DEF fluid should also carry the premium.
