Go drive one and find out for yourself, I mean you were at the showroom and you did not take it for a spin.

Most likely the EPA is under estimated.

It ONLY costs $1500 more for a diesel but 4 matic is std in the diesel so you don't pay the additional $2000 for that. Making it $500 less than the 4 matic gasser. Assuming you want a 4 matic. Who would not? Resale alone you get much more in return for a 4 matic.

There are other reasons to own a diesel besides mpg. Research.

 

GLK350 vs 250

Terrific input....I failed to catch 4MATIC 350 ($2K option), 250 (standard).

What's the deal about 350 (302 horses), 250 (200 HP). Seems like "The-more-I-know, the-less-I-know"

Thanks again for input.

 

Terrific input....I failed to catch 4MATIC 350 ($2K option), 250 (standard).

What's the deal about 350 (302 horses), 250 (200 HP). Seems like "The-more-I-know, the-less-I-know"

Thanks again for input.

Well it is a 4 cylinder but only 0.5 sec slower 0-60.
100 less HP but 100 more torque.
I love torque more than HP and gas engines just seem anemic in comparison.
Just my 2 cents.

Go drive them.

 

Drive it... there is a LOT to love in the GLK250, massive torque at low RPM ranges make is a tiger in disguise.. my daughters 2013 GLK350 had a MSRP of $59K, I don't know what you are looking at on that showroom floor, but a very-well optioned 13 GLK are in the $49K MSRP range.. my daughters GLK350, have you ever seen Distronic Plus in a GLK ?

Oh, she loves it...

 

I believe that the gas GLK calls for premium which in my area is about the same cost per gallon as diesel. That gives more advantage to the diesel model. The diesel may be more expensive to service? Diesel resale is probably better.

 

I am willing to give up a kidney to get wifey to trade her 2010 GLK for a new GLK250. Fuel economy & the interior upgrades make all the difference. Just wish MB would offer the diesel in a 2WD configuration but that will not happen.

 

WHY IS IT ??????????????

Why is the 20-inch wheel an option for GLK350 and not for GLK250 ? Perhaps the GLK250 is built for towing and mountain area driving, whereas is GLK350 is built for speed and the flat-land customer. I am going nuts getting educated on torque, horsepower, power band, tire aspect ratio, etc.

Be thankful you are not a car salesman being faced with a customer like me (chuckle-chuckle).
Don

 

When I was in car sales (1970's), I loved to have customers as yourself walk in. Informed & curious, not concerned so much about the vanity mirrors for wife, etc. but wanted the facts. It usually made for a better sale in the end because questions were answered before the drive off the lot. MB does some weird marketing. If you can get the AMG Pkg. on a GLK250 it will have 20" wheels. I recently grabbed a set of 2013 Appearance Pkg. 20" wheels (take-offs) for our 2010. Plan on keeping them for the next GLK in a few years. AND if you have any thoughts about a trailer hitch in the future, get it with the car & not after.

 

MBUSA.com is very helpful (sometimes...)

 

MBUSA.com is very helpful (sometimes....)

HELPFUL: I checked the Prepaid Maint Cost for my SL; then checked my invoice. Turns out the dealer charged me 100 bucks too much, then refunded the $$$ when I referenced MBUSA.

NOT HELPFUL: The website "infers" via BUILD-IT, that only 19-inch wheels are available for GLK250.

Don

 

You can get 20" on the GLK250 here, with AMG pkg OR as a stand alone option (different 20" wheel).
YOU must drive the diesel before you make any decisions, yes it grumbles at first start up and has a slight roughness to it but the power and fuel economy is astounding! My test drive netted 30's for mpg, this a brand new demostrator on hilly city traffic with a heavy foot. I imagine getting 40mpg would be very very easy, if not much higher. The gas engine will never ever exceed the posted ratings, the diesel will reward every tank full. I was amazed after driving it, so much better then the 2008 R320 CDI we have, but they would not offer anything on trade in to tempt me to buy the new one! So it remains a dream the GLK250. Does the gas one require premium gas still?

 

I went into the dealership to buy a GLK250 (diesel engine), but I decided instead to buy a GLK350 (gas engine). I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about the trade-offs, because this is the first time I considered a diesel, and some of what I learned wasn’t initially apparent to me. I’m not an expert. I’d be interested in hearing from others who have more experience.

My concerns regarding DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) ISO 22241 (called AdBlue by Mercedes) are:

1. According to the owner’s manual, the DEF filler is in the rear of the passenger compartment of the GLK250, under the luggage area, where the spare tire would normally be located. (The dealer was sold out of GLK250s, so I couldn’t see this for myself.) The opening is located in the bottom of this well, apparently making it difficult to reach. My understanding is that a special screw-on connector is recommended, but not required, to fill the DEF reservoir. Without the special screw-on connector, it appears to be cumbersome to pour DEF into the recessed hole without spilling it. (My dealer’s Service Advisor told me that they don’t use the screw-on connector – they use a hose, and pump DEF from a 55 gallon drum.) This seems to me to be a bad design (a retrofit), vs. the filler being located under the hood, on next to the fuel filler. My concern is that the DEF might be spilled or overflowed into the passenger compartment (though this is in an area that’s covered).

2. There is no gauge to tell the customer (or dealer) how much DEF is in the tank – only a warning message when the tank is low. Therefore, when the customer or dealer adds DEF to the tank without using specialized equipment, there is no way to know when the tank is full, vs. under-filled, vs. about to be overfilled and spilled into the well under the luggage area. I think most people will guess how much to add and not completely fill the tank, increasing the risk of running out of DEF.

3. If you run out of DEF the vehicle won’t start. The dealer told me that should never happen if I have the vehicle serviced regularly because a full DEF tank (7.3 gallons) should last 13k miles, whereas the standard service interval is 10k miles. But remember, there is no DEF gauge. There is a warning when the DEF is running low, and you have approximately 1,000 miles remaining. At some point a count-down begins of the number of “starts” that you have remaining before the engine is disabled by its computer. A small “emergency” DEF bottle with the screw-on neck can be purchased. I’m told they cost $30, but availability is limited. (My dealer didn’t have a DEF bottle in stock, and none of the auto parts stores in my area have one in stock.) I don’t know if there is a storage location in the GLK250’s luggage well for a DEF bottle. DEF has a limited shelf life, and freezes at 12 degrees F, so there are issues associated with carrying spare fluid. Perhaps it would be wise to carry a long funnel so that you can pour DEF into the recessed filler.

My other concerns about the diesel:

1. Not all “gas stations” sell diesel – so availability can be of concern.

2. DEF is not available at all gas stations that sell diesel. If DEF is available, it probably won’t have the screw-on connector that prevents spillage.

3. The GLK250’s optional navigation system will not direct you to filling stations that sell diesel – it will direct you to any gas station that may or may not sell diesel, which is not very helpful when you’re running low on diesel fuel.

4. According to the 2013 GLK owners manual, page 359, the GLK250 requires 235/50 R19 99 H M+S MOExtended tires (tires featuring run-flat characteristics). (The DEF filler is where the spare would be located.) In contrast, the GLK350 (gas engine) does not require MOExtended tires, and I’m told that the GLK350 comes with a spare tire. In order to understand the Total Cost of Ownership impact of the GLK250’s requirement for run-flat tires I looked up pricing for 235/50 R19 99 tires on TireRack.com. I found regular tires, but no run-flats, so I called TireRack. The TireRack rep told me that no one sells 235/50 R19 99 run-flat tires. He told me that the only choice when replacing tires is non-run-flat tires, and in the event of a flat tire the vehicle would have to be towed on a flat-bed truck to a tire shop. (I suppose you could carry a tire repair kit and a pump.) As far as I'm concerned this is a strike against the GLK250. Perhaps tire manufacturers will offer 235/50 R19 99 run-flat tires in the future. My next question would be how long run-flat tires last vs. regular tires, and how much they cost. If they don't last as long and they cost more (which is my suspicion), then this hurts Total Cost of Ownership for the diesel car.

5. When buying diesel fuel at a truck stop, there is an adaptor required due to the larger nozzle, which I’m told can be somewhat inconvenient. Also, I’ve heard complaints that diesel nozzle handles at truck stops are generally dirtier and smellier than gas pumps.

6. There are fewer mechanics qualified to repair diesel engines vs. gas engines. This can result in an inconvenience, and in my experience less competition results in higher prices. I usually keep vehicles past the warranty period, so this is a concern.

I compared Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 4 years for the GLK250 and GLK350. I obtained the discounted price from the same dealer for an identically equipped GLK250 and GLK350, the 4 year/40,000 mile prepaid maintenance for each vehicle (i.e., to match the warranty period), MPG of each vehicle, and average cost of diesel and premium gas. (The discounted purchase price of the GLK250 was $237 less expensive than the identically equipped GLK350. The 4 year maintenance agreement for the GLK 250 was $1,187 more expensive than the GLK350.) Assuming 40,000 miles over the course of 4 years, I calculated a total savings over 4 years of $665 for the diesel GLK250. (No discounting of future cash flows.) Assuming 80,000 miles over 4 years, I assumed that 2 maintenance agreements (40k miles each) would be required, and the total savings over 4 years was $1,098. (I’m not certain that’s exactly how Mercedes would price the second maintenance contract, but my understanding is that once you’ve driven 40k miles, the first contract is consumed, so additional maintenance fees (diesel fuel filters, DEF, oil changes, etc) will apply, whether you incur them incidentally, or via another prepaid maintenance contract.) A big TCO unknown is repair costs after warranty for the diesel vs. gas engines. The GLK’s diesel engine is sophisticated (twin turbo-charged, DEF exhaust system, etc), so I’m not comfortable assuming that the GLK250’s diesel engine would be less expensive to repair post-warranty than the GLK350’s gas engine. (In fact, friends who have diesel trucks report high engine repair costs.) As far as I’m concerned another TCO unknown is depreciation. Conventional wisdom is that the diesel will have higher resale, though I think there is a concern about DEF equipped vehicles.

I test drove a GLK350 and was happy with how it drove. There was no GLK250 in my city to drive. I drove an ML350 diesel (a different diesel engine than the GLK250), and it also drove nice. I think that I would have been happy with how either the GLK250 or GLK350 drives, though I think I might have liked the diesel a little better. (I don’t have a “lead foot”, so I’m not very demanding about engine performance. My biggest concerned is being able to go up long hills without the engine racing at high RPMs, so the diesel presumably would perform better in this regard.)

I was on the fence regarding whether to get a GLK250 or GLK350. For me the cost savings associated with the diesel vehicle were questionable, and did not outweigh my perception of the inconveniences. I’ve read excellent reviews about the GLK250, and I’m intrigued by its low-RPM torque vs. high-RPM horsepower for the gas engine. If there was no DEF requirement for the GLK250, and diesel maintenance costs were lower (it would be nice if 4 years maintenance were included), and the navigation system would direct you to diesel stations, I would have bought the GLK250. Maybe next time.

I think that the bottom line is this: Buy what you want.

I hope I’ll enjoy my GLK350 when it arrives in 6 – 8 weeks.

Your thoughts?

 

eckerson89, technology has changed a lot. Today's diesels are so quiet you can barely hear the engine, and for the most part, only auto enthusiast will be able to tell the difference.
There is 0, zip, none odor or smoke whatsoever. Even at full throttle. To me, gasoline vehicles are now the smelly ones. Next time a gas car speeds past you at full throttle on the highway you will see what I mean.
And the fuel mileage is typically much higher than the EPA window ratings. Do a search for say VW Passat mileage record and see.

Robert_KC, congrats on your 350 purchase. Enjoy. The wait is the hard part.
Now your first 2 DEF points are great, and MB engineers should have addressed this. The third may be embedded by EPA law, and if you think of DEF as you think of "fuel", you wouldn't expect your vehicle to run when empty. Especially after 1000 miles of low fluid waring. Also, 5 gallons of Peak brand DEF is now less than $14 and available from truck stops to Walmart. It is no more difficult than adding washer fluid, and a funnel is a smart idea. And actually, Flying J truck stops now sell DEF at the pump!!

As for your diesel concerns, I have been driving diesels since 2004, and have yet to have any issues finding fuel. My ML is my "exploration" vehicle going to remote parts of the country camping, and never a problem. Here is what I did before I switched to diesels. Every time I went to a station with my last gas vehicle, I looked for a diesel pump, and was surprised that there was typically a diesel pump somewhere, maybe off to the side, but it was there. And yes, some disgusting people do make a mess when they fill up, but I just use a paper towel to hold the pump, and wash up after. As for the larger truck nozzles, stations that have those always have car nozzle pumps as well. VW sells an adapter that works well, but I just use the car nozzle at highway truck stops.
As for repairs, driving 20000 miles a year means changing your fuel and air filter once a year. Not an issue when you factor in the close to 40MPG the 250 would give for that year. (Forget the really low window sticker posted by the EPA) My ML with 134000 miles still gives an easy 700 miles with 24 gallons of diesel. Also, the complexity todays modern vehicle means one must find a good tech. Gas or diesel. Both engines now use direct injection, very high pressure injection and logic software controlled engines and electrical systems. Just remember that diesel are built stronger to operate as compression ignition engines, so better parts are used that last longer, saving on repairs in the long run.

Hope this info helps.

 

dqiturbo: Thanks for your input.

I found out about some of the issues associated with the GLK250 (e.g., DEF filler location, and run-flat tires) the night before I went in to order it, and I don’t like last minute surprises – so I may have over-reacted regarding my concerns. I wish that the salespeople took more of a consultative approach in educating potential customers about trade-offs of diesel vs. gas cars. Neither my salesman nor the Service Advisor knew where the GLK250’s DEF filler is located (which is somewhat understandable considering that it’s new). They didn’t have a GLK250 in stock so they showed me an ML350 diesel, which has the DEF filler next to the diesel filler on the outside of the vehicle – which seems to me to be a better design.

The GLK250’s run-flat tires would still concern me – particularly the fact that my brief research indicates that no one in the USA is currently selling replacements. (I’d guess that someone will probably start selling them in the future). I’ve not driven the GLK250, so I don’t know how its ride quality compares with the GLK350 (which does not use run-flat tires). I remain concerned that the run-flat tires wouldn’t last as long and would cost more to replace (once replacement tires become available). In the unlikely event that a GLK250 tire were ruined before run-flat replacement tires become available for sale, I wonder if all 4 tires would have to be replaced, so as not to mix a regular tire with run-flats on the vehicle?

I recognize that my concerns about finding diesel fuel are probably overblown - nonetheless, if I’m paying for a navigation system in a GLK250 I think it should direct me to stations selling diesel.

I’d appreciate your thoughts regarding routine maintenance. According to the MB on-line pricing tool, 4 years pre-paid maintenance for the GLK250 costs $2,686 vs. $1,499 for the GLK350, so the maintenance costs from the MB dealer are significantly higher for the diesel, partially off-setting the fuel savings. I’d like to learn more about reasonably priced maintenance options for a new Mercedes GLK that wouldn’t void the warranty. I’m not a mechanic – though I certainly could add DEF. I called a German car repair shop that’s a half mile from my house and asked about their ability to service the GLK250. My understanding of what he told me is that he couldn’t service the vehicle until after the warranty period. I don’t understand why – perhaps I’ll drive by and ask him in person more about his ability to service the GLK250 and the GLK350. It seems to me that if I have the vehicle serviced at an independent shop according to the MB schedule and I keep receipts, then MB must honor the warranty. Does MB restrict access to some diagnostic or service functions for the first few years of its cars (e.g., updating software)? I haven’t decided yet what I’ll do about maintenance for the GLK350 that I have ordered (i.e., buy one of the dealers pre-paid packages, or pay the dealer on an incidental basis, or use an independent mechanic). Are customers typically able to negotiate discounts on MB’s pre-paid maintenance? Thanks in advance for any experience you can share regarding routine maintenance options for a new MB.

While I might occasionally experience a mild case of “diesel envy” – I’m sure that I’ll be happy with the GLK350. As I said I was on the fence when I was sitting in the salesman’s office. Maybe he’ll call me to tell me that he’s found a 2014 GLK250 that’s equipped exactly the way I want and is available for earlier delivery, and I’ll rethink my decision …

I think the dialog is helpful - I’d appreciate additional input.

 

In the unlikely event that a GLK250 tire were ruined before run-flat replacement tires become available for sale, I wonder if all 4 tires would have to be replaced, so as not to mix a regular tire with run-flats on the vehicle?

Since I've ordered 2014 GLK250BT the possible replacement of RFT concerns me as well. TireRack told me "..that the tire you are looking for isn't available here in the United States...".
Well, I've contacted local Mercedes dealership and they checked their warehouses - they have these Dunlop 235/50R19 GrandTreck Touring A/S MO Extended Tires somewhere in Chicago. Today's regular price is $380 for a tire. At least they have them...

 

Let me clarify a couple of things...

1) DEF is a once-in-10K-miles top off - and your cost for "generic" DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) will be under $14. Use one small AdBlue bottle from the dealer - then cut the bottom off to use as a filler/funnel

2) The "extra" costs in Mercedes GLK250 maintenance over GLK350/gasser is AdBlueE AT 10K intervals (which you have just cut to under $14) and 20K diesel fuel filter change

3) Current MB prepaid maintenance plan for GLK350 is best purcahsed in 30K chunks - the GLK350 maintenance plan for 40K is way overpriced since the 2013 tranny no longer requires tranny service until 70K - however the plan has not been updated

4) The "current" GLK250 maintenance plan is actually same plan cost for ML350BT/GL350BT - "possibly" a updated plan will become available for the GLK250BT this Fall/Sept-Oct

5) Yes - run flats are a concern - fortunately with the lower wieght of the GLK (as compared to ML/GL) and the newer design run flats - at least initial driving reaction is none of the harshness encountered with the heavier SUV's/earlier tech tires. Run flat tread life will be less, but no one yet has hard data to assign tread life estimate

Frankly, the GLK250 makes for a "peppy" around town runner with moderate throttle - as compared to the reluctant-to-use-paddles-GLK350.. great match of the 250BT engine, great mate to the GLK.. and wil run circles around the anemic VW/Audi.. multiple rings actually..

 

MB PREPAID MAINT

Thanks everyone...I really started something with this thread (chuckle-chuckle).

fabbrisdi...think you may have addressed my question. I anticipate delivery of my 2014 GLK350 in the next week or two. Between delivery and the one year (or 10,000mi) mark) I need to purchase the prepaid maintenance. Something crazy happens in the fourth year as the price doubles, i.e. GLK350 $769 > $1,499 and GLK250 $1,465 > $2,686. What exactly happens is not readily apparent when you compare the lists in the Mnt Manual. I agree with your "buy in 30K chunks" comment as that is what I did with my SL. Next question is this::::::::: What should MB owners do if they elect to keep their car past the third year (or 30,000 mi)?

As a side note, once the dash "Mnt Due" warning light pops up, it can be easily cancelled via button on steering wheel, but reappears on the next restart. I got a "feeling" only authorized MB dealers can cancel the message which may be a concern to those trying to find an alternative service source.

And-so-it-goes.....
Don

 

fabbrisd1: Thanks for your input

If I'm reading the 2013 maintenance manual correctly, it appears that the diesel fuel filter change for the GLK250 is now recommended at 40k miles. In light of this, and the fact that the customer can add DEF, it sounds like it would be better to pay the dealer on an incidental basis for maintenance of the GLK250 vs. buying the prepaid maintenance. This is irrelevant for me, because I've ordered a GLK350 - but I haven't taken delivery yet ...

Does anyone have experience with negotiating a discount on pre-paid maintenance?

 

Robert KC....my input

After several years of MB ownership, I was made aware of the Mercedes Club of America (Mercedes-Benz Club of America |) discounts. Not all dealers participate, but mine gives 10% off maintenance.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I will soon need to buy a Prepaid Maintenance contract. If the ten percent works on Prepaid, then the membership to MBCA is a must (annual Dues, as I recall, are forty bucks).

 

FYI, baby wipes will take the diesel smell right off your hands. No water or washing needed.
I found that operating and maintaining diesel equipment with a disaster medical team. A small, resealable pack of wipes was always in my go bag from there on out.

 

Alex Bel: Thanks for sharing information about the tires.

The good news is that MB has some run-flats warehoused in the USA. The bad news is that the vehicle would be out of service until the tire ships from Chicago, and the price seems a little high.

Did anyone answer the question about mixing run-flats and regular tires? My guess is that's verboten.

Please provide updates about how you like your GLK250.

 

About tires:

I took delivery of a 2013 GLK250 on June 30th. I think the newness of the 250 still has some folks baffled.

During pre-devivery check-out, I was told the GLK250 had a "space-saver" spare.
It doesn't.

Also, in talking with the dealer about the miss-information on the spare, I was told it had "run-flat" tires. Mine came with Continental 235/50R19 M&S 4X4 Contacts. My research indicates that that tire is NOT a "run flat" tire.

Robert

On edit:
In an email from Continental Tire the Americas, LLC, they confirmed the 4X4 Contacts are not "run-flats".

A check with Tire Rack's web site shows they have 5 makes of tires in the size for the GLK250, including the Contis.

 

About tires:

A check with Tire Rack's web site shows they have 5 makes of tires in the size for the GLK250, including the Contis.

My understanding is that the tires that TireRack currently sells for the GLK250 are not run-flats.

I think it's interesting that the owner's manual states that the GLK250 comes with run-flats, but your GLK250 came equipped with non-run-flat tires and a can of tire sealant and a 12 volt air compressor. I wonder if MB has started to equip all GLK250s with regular tires.

 

RobertAW: What did the dealer instruct you to do if you have a flat tire?

Separately - I haven't been able to inspect a GLK250 - have you assessed how easy it will be to add DEF without making a mess in the luggage area?

Thanks

 

For a flat... Call road service.
My GLK came with a can of tire sealant and a 12 volt air compressor. Good for a small hole, as in nail or screw, if it is in the main portion of the tread.

I don't hold out much hope for me doing a spill-free DEF refill..but then I'm just kinda messy. If one is careful, shouldn't present much of a problem.
R

 

Be Very Careful of Canned "Tire Sealant"



Tire Sealant puts a goop inside the tire that while it may seal a small puncture also "seals" the tire pressure warning indicator necessitating an expensive replacement. I would only use this stuff in a dire emergency knowing the tire pressure indicator may be gooped up also and require replacing.

 

Octane vs RON

Can someone clarify?

I have just purchased a 2010 GLK350 which says it requires 91 RON!
Now according to my research, 91 RON is equivalent to 87 Octane which is regular in N America.

When calling MB Canada, the unhelpful gentleman explained that all MB in Canada require premium and would not explain any further.

I know it can run on 87 but do I void my warranty or cause any damage?

Just to be clear, I will put in whatever is required but if I can spend less why would I not?

Can someone clarify this for me?

 

91 RON is the minimum, I am sure higher octane is "recommended" as it is with MOST european cars/trucks. I don't think it is required on many, just recommended-meaning no issues with warranty. Of course they can always blame poor gas for certain problems if there was an issue (like carbon buildup).

 

I found that on the W163s I have owned that switching from hi to low octane results in reduced gas mileage such that the cost per miles is basically independent of octane. Somebody with a GLK can check this as an experiment.