200k miles and going - how much longer??
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2013 GLK350
200k miles and going - how much longer??
Reached 200k miles on my 2013 GLK 4matic. Trying to run it into the ground. Insurance is cheap now. Registration is cheap. How much longer can it go? Spark Plugs, break fluid and transmission fluid changed this year. Also, new air filters (cabin and engine).
Driver's seat has some scratches/tears. I replaced the cover once before. Not sure if it's worth it now. Otherwise still seems to be running great. No leaks.
Driver's seat has some scratches/tears. I replaced the cover once before. Not sure if it's worth it now. Otherwise still seems to be running great. No leaks.
Last edited by mogulman; Oct 11, 2025 at 12:22 AM.
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Reached 200k miles on my 2013 GLK 4matic. Trying to run it into the ground. Insurance is cheap now. Registration is cheap. How much longer can it go? Spark Plugs, break fluid and transmission fluid changed this year. Also, new air filters (cabin and engine).
Driver's seat has some scratches/tears. I replaced the cover once before. Not sure if it's worth it now. Otherwise still seems to be running great. No leaks.
Driver's seat has some scratches/tears. I replaced the cover once before. Not sure if it's worth it now. Otherwise still seems to be running great. No leaks.
I would guess another 200k miles or less.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Well maintained I would think 300,000 would be a reasonable estimate. We retire all ours around 200,000 just because …
Be sure to keep tabs on the front drive shaft universal joint because a failure there can cause costly damage. The GLK is worth $5-7000 on a third party sale, so maybe you want to consider fixing that seat cushion.
Be sure to keep tabs on the front drive shaft universal joint because a failure there can cause costly damage. The GLK is worth $5-7000 on a third party sale, so maybe you want to consider fixing that seat cushion.
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2013 glk 350
Do you get any clunking in driveshaft when shifting like from reverse or acceleration from idle , that would be u joints , I know the front one has no bracket to hold it in place when it breaks. When it breaks it’s a new trans , a hole in the floor and more . How are cv joints ? Bearings ? It can go a long time but I think you’re missing looking at wear items and maintenance , like break fluid, cooling system , drivetrain. The PVC usually needs replacing at 80-100000, There are many items that just wear that will cost
excessively when they go. If you’re lucky with care a lot more time and miles. The problems is it’s a mb and is more expensive to fix . Get it inspected
excessively when they go. If you’re lucky with care a lot more time and miles. The problems is it’s a mb and is more expensive to fix . Get it inspected
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2013 GLK350
Replace the radiator and fluid last year. Brake fluid also.
I bring it to a local Mercedes guy once per year so I'll ask about the U joints.
I asked them about the differential last time and they thought it was ok, but yeah. I worry about it.
One major repair and that could be it, but enjoying it while it lasts.
I bring it to a local Mercedes guy once per year so I'll ask about the U joints.
I asked them about the differential last time and they thought it was ok, but yeah. I worry about it.
One major repair and that could be it, but enjoying it while it lasts.
Last edited by mogulman; Oct 11, 2025 at 07:53 AM.
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MB’s of all kinds.
If you keep up the maintenance it will run another 200k miles. I will run as long as you are willing to keep it running. Cars do not die, people just stop maintaining them as my shop always says.
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2013 glk 350
It’s the cost of mb maintenance, what is a 10$ pvc and 30 second job on a 350 gm is 500+ on a 13 Glk. A 100$ u joint on a is 5-600 for the front because MB makes you buy a whole driveshaft! The maintenance can kill you as it ages. But yes get things done early before they break . I have a 13 but only 90,000.
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
It seems the question might be, how much more money are you willing to put into this car over How many years before you decide you're done investing in it?
consider the story of the ship of Theseus...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus
Last edited by PeterUbers; Oct 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM.
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'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
That question was recently decided by an administrative law judge. A group restored an aircraft using so many new, improved parts the FAA refused to license it as the original aircraft. Unlicensed it was just a very expensive collection of parts. The decision by the Court reversed the FAA's decision and the plane is back flying again.
Last edited by John CC; Oct 11, 2025 at 10:19 PM.
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MB’s of all kinds.
^^^ this.
It seems the question might be, how much more money are you willing to put into this car over How many years before you decide you're done investing in it?
consider the story of the ship of Theseus...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus
It seems the question might be, how much more money are you willing to put into this car over How many years before you decide you're done investing in it?
consider the story of the ship of Theseus...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_of_Theseus
I think what stops May cars running for even longer is lack of support on parts and service along with cost of labor and fear from owners of “What next?”
Last edited by C280 Sport; Oct 11, 2025 at 09:33 PM.
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Bought my wife (a longtime MB fanatic) a 2014 GLK350 years ago, to break her away from her 2001 E320.
(coupes are physically inconvenient)
We recently sold the E320, which had 330,000 miles. Guess what major repairs I did?:
Engine and tranny mounts ... oh yea, and a new key FOB ... and most recent, the radiator. That's it.
Currently have 95,000 US miles (have to verify) on the GLK350 (base model). No worries.
There are long time Honda motorcyclists (in their 80's, like Phil Steiner!)
who have gone a million miles on their bikes!
(of course , they ride Hondas
)
(coupes are physically inconvenient)
We recently sold the E320, which had 330,000 miles. Guess what major repairs I did?:
Engine and tranny mounts ... oh yea, and a new key FOB ... and most recent, the radiator. That's it.
Currently have 95,000 US miles (have to verify) on the GLK350 (base model). No worries.
There are long time Honda motorcyclists (in their 80's, like Phil Steiner!)
who have gone a million miles on their bikes!
(of course , they ride Hondas
)
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Correct! And great way of putting it. I had a 2005 C240 many years back. I got rid of it just after 300,000 miles. Original engine/transmission. Interior/exterior were in fantastic shape. However, the radiator went bad and to me since I owned the car since near brand new I just did not feel it was worth fixing. Now if I just bought it I would have fixed it and kept it running. It’s all on the perspective of the buyer. Really if I wanted to that C240 could have gone another 300,000 miles.
I think what stops May cars running for even longer is lack of support on parts and service along with cost of labor and fear from owners of “What next?”
I think what stops May cars running for even longer is lack of support on parts and service along with cost of labor and fear from owners of “What next?”
you also make a great point about the "fear of what next?" ...the way I personally combat that is I consider an example exorbitant amount of money to pay for my older cars for a repair, and then compare that to all of the costs and tax associated with a brand new car and the anxiety about owning a brand new car.
the existential consideration:
also, as you put well, know that self. I put more value in the story of my cars and owning them for so many years and the pride and owning them for so many years versus the capricious relationship with buying a new car one to two years. I used to be that guy that wanted a new car every 3 to 4 years and I've just become a different person, a new season in my life and I like my cash going towards other things they have more meeting at this point in my life than flipping cars. NO disrespect to anyone flipping cars out every few years. I see the great benefit of that as well.
and often these older cars are serviced by independent mechanics and they don't provide loaner cars.
Last edited by PeterUbers; Oct 12, 2025 at 08:03 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The kisses of death are commonly:
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2010 GLK350 4matic
Almost 370000 km, so not that far ahead of you, but my is a 2010, turning 17 next month,
and had her for almost 14 years. Not sure what kind of issues you have if any, but my mounts are way over due and the front control arms need a refresh, next on my To do list. SAP is not working, and the swirl flaps are stuck in an actuated position due to common lever failure but no noticeable symptom, next summer planing on taking out the IM and taking a close look at the flaps. Overall still drives well.
and had her for almost 14 years. Not sure what kind of issues you have if any, but my mounts are way over due and the front control arms need a refresh, next on my To do list. SAP is not working, and the swirl flaps are stuck in an actuated position due to common lever failure but no noticeable symptom, next summer planing on taking out the IM and taking a close look at the flaps. Overall still drives well.
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
The kisses of death are commonly:
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
oh and the flux capacitor... when that goes ... dang
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
The kisses of death are commonly:
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
- engine failure, eg bore scoring, cam or crank bearing failure, rear main seal failure
- transmission failure, eg mechatronic unit, seals or oil pump failure
- HVAC failure, eg evaporator crack, fan motor or duct door servo failure
These examples are advanced DIY or dealer/indy jobs, and are expensive in the best case scenario. Not impossible to overcome; the simple fact is not many people spend the money to fix these types of things in a 200k mile grocery getter.
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2013 glk 350
With all the long life success people have I will keep up the maintenance. Interesting I can’t find a Differential oil -gear oil, maintenance interval in manual. It should be changed to at least inspect it . I changed mine at 80,000, I think 95% don’t do any real preventative maintenance required.
