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Buttons near vents for rear seats (function identification help)
Hi everyone!
I'm a new owner of a MB GLK350 4MATIC (2014), and have never owned a MB before. I looked at around 15 GLKs before grabbing the one I have now, as this one is in great condition at 100K miles and is fully loaded. So loaded, that I have NO idea how a couple items work lol!
What do the buttons near the rear vents do? There's a seat, with a zigzag and double zigzag line. I was assuming heated seats, but now, I'm not sure.
I also have a button near the light switch for front radar. What does that button do? When pressed the car's dash beeps - is this for the cruise control or something else?
Any insight is appreciated!
Last edited by Crojack_B; Aug 10, 2025 at 01:46 AM.
Keep in mind too ... there have been some "extended warranty" documents that have been sent out ... so if not original owner, you'll probably never get them.
Thank you guys a ton!! I figured as much and do appreciate the clarity.
I don't have the car in my possession yet (later this week), and I wasn't able to really figure out the exact month of manufacturing - it looks like there's two manuals for 2014. Thanks for providing the link!
'Keep in mind too ... there have been some "extended warranty" documents that have been sent out ... so if not original owner, you'll probably never get them.' - you think there's any way to find the original owner and ask if they received said documentation? Not sure if it would be useful, the GLK I am receiving has 106K miles on the odometer.
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Originally Posted by Crojack_B
I don't have the car in my possession yet (later this week), and I wasn't able to really figure out the exact month of manufacturing - it looks like there's two manuals for 2014. Thanks for providing the link!
Keep in mind too ... there have been some "extended warranty" documents that have been sent out ... so if not original owner, you'll probably never get them.'
you think there's any way to find the original owner and ask if they received said documentation? Not sure if it would be useful, the GLK I am receiving has 106K miles on the odometer.
You could ask the previous owner, if that's easy. But there are online resources to determine what's been done.
And yea, an easy way to get the year of manufacture is to open the driver's door ... on the door-jam ... you should see 1-2 stickers - the D.O.M will be there
The VIN can be found in three locations: driver side windshield, driver door jam sticker, and on a plate under the passenger seat (floorboard)
The tenth character of the VIN is coded for the year model.
You can also use a VIN Decoder, such as here:
I have a PDF document of one of the Extended documents:
"Mercedes-Benz Warranty Extension Coverage - Rear Subframe"
This warranty is extended to "20 years / unlimited mileage".
... That Extension notice is attached.
Last edited by calder-cay; Aug 11, 2025 at 11:05 AM.
Those are installed aftermarket. There's only a third zone climite option for the that rear vent area and it wasn't available for the USA or Canada.
I'm surprised, the car is overall very stock. Not sure who would have installed heated seats in the rear (there doesn't look like any changes have been made.
Could it have been a dealer installed option? What area did the car come from originally?
I have no idea if it could be a dealer option to be totally transparent, according to the car fax this came from Mercedes Benz Motor Werks of Barrington Barrington, IL as the first dealer (I'm also in the Chicago suburbs).
I looked at ~15 GLK's and this particular one has much more as far as options go. Larger screen, front and rear radar, reverse camera, side mirror alerts, heated steering wheel, and others which I thought was rare considering most/all did not have this amount of technology/opt-ins.
Sounds like a great catch. GLKs had excellent utility and generally good reliability. They sold at a price point competitive with similar domestic small utility trucks. Mercedes didn’t want to live there, so “poof” it turned into the GLC the next year which is a completely different vehicle.
Just read the threads about checking and maintaining the output shaft between the transfer case and the front differential.
Definitely a great catch, also very happy the search is finally over lol.
I'll take a look at those threads and review, doing most work myself (aside from engine/trans fingers crossed). Everything looks pretty solid under the hood and the undercarriage but always good to have resources for when the inevitable happens.
Still trying to find out exactly what the front radar is for, since there's no front cam and it doesn't look like I have the radar-adaptive cruise control (no swivel on the stalk)
Still trying to find out exactly what the front radar is for, since there's no front cam and it doesn't look like I have the radar-adaptive cruise control (no swivel on the stalk)
You’re not getting any replies on that, so it must be rare. My ‘15 GLK was base model with only a few options, not even a sunroof. Maybe it’s got something to do with forward collision warning or parking. Looking up your data card on lastvin.com, as mentioned earlier, might help with the mystery. MBs can get a number of “hidden” features that other brands would advertise.
Radar Sensor - Mercedes-Benz (000-905-57-01)
Description:Adaptive cruise control system. Blind Spot Assist. City assist system (cas). Short range radar. Distronic. Left and right.
Last edited by calder-cay; Aug 13, 2025 at 07:26 AM.
After playing around with it a little bit, it's not the adaptive cruise control (Distronic) - no slider/switch to change distance on the cruise control. It does however beep when there's an object/person in front of the vehicle and it does have the lane assist as well as blind spot assist.
Falling in love with the vehicle more and more as I learn more about it!!
Can't believe all the options it has (including the 20" wheels/heated rear seats).
One thing I'm a little puzzled on - does the 2014 not have a compass in the mirror? I really liked that about the 2010-2013 models I looked at previously lol.
I decoded the VIN as recommended, and I dont see rear heated seats - I should just test that button and see if they heat up lol. Unless it's part of the FX package (Special Version?)
Whoever loaded this up on purchase, I salute you - most people don't option this car as it's a 'base' model SUV as far as I understand.
Thanks again everyone!
Last edited by Crojack_B; Aug 14, 2025 at 03:57 PM.
You can display compass headings in the speedometer where the odometer normally shows (along with a whole bunch of other things, like a trip computer)...
The compass is also displayed in top corner on the multimedia screen. You can also unlock the offroad option through an adequate handheld scanner. I did a ceiling trim swap to a two tone so I unbeknownst bought a mirror with the red compass.
Mine is a bare bones car as far as options. Of the ones you circled in red, the only ones I have are the air bags and the rain sensor (for the wipers, I presume). Oh, and "FX", so don't feel special!
The compass is also displayed in top corner on the multimedia screen. You can also unlock the offroad option through an adequate handheld scanner. I did a ceiling trim swap to a two tone so I unbeknownst bought a mirror with the red compass.
So it's pretty stupid, but growing up (I'm 34) my fam never really had luxury cars, I was always jealous of the red compass on the rear view mirror when I would see them. I like the capability without having to use the cluster or display to show the direction - could I buy a used mirror from a 2013 and it would fit and work with the compass? (assuming it also has auto dimming)
Mine is a bare bones car as far as options. Of the ones you circled in red, the only ones I have are the air bags and the rain sensor (for the wipers, I presume). Oh, and "FX", so don't feel special!
Hint: start a new thread for subject matter that is COMPLETELY different than "heater buttons".
Apologies as I'm new here to MBWorld as well as Mercedes-Benz in general, I'll review for the rules of the forum. I wasn't aware that asking additional questions (unrelated to original inquiry) was against terms. Original inquiry is resolved.
Thanks again for the assistance those who chimed in with knowledge.
Last edited by Crojack_B; Aug 15, 2025 at 03:01 PM.
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Originally Posted by Crojack_B
Apologies as I'm new here to MBWorld as well as Mercedes-Benz in general, I'll review for the rules of the forum. I wasn't aware that asking additional questions (unrelated to original inquiry) was against terms
Appreciate your understanding.
Jumping subject matter as a "shouldn't do", has zero to do with this forum ... or any other.
Every forum ... cars, computers, mowers, refrigerators, lawn car, ad nauseum ... it's all the same ... (my experience in the last 30+ years) ... start a new subject thread if different 👍
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