Segment:
Compact Luxury SUV
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a premium, compact SUV with Mercedes-Benz build quality and brand cachet.
Key Competitors:
BMW X3, Audi Q5, Lexus RX, Acura RDX
Design Philosophy:
Offered a more utilitarian and boxy aesthetic compared to many rivals, a nod to the G-Class heritage.
Driving Experience:
Provided a comfortable ride with capable handling, often praised for its highway stability.
Primary Coverage:
Owner's Information and Operation
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Specifications, Cleaning, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a Mercedes-Benz owner's manual)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fuel system, lubrication, cooling system basics, exhaust system basics
Chassis:
Brakes, steering, suspension basics, tire care
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster, power windows, locks, mirrors, basic fuse information
Interior:
Climate controls, seating adjustments, safety restraints, entertainment system operation, door locks and security
Driver Assistance:
Operation of features like cruise control, parking assist (if equipped)
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating various vehicle controls
Maintenance:
Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures
Troubleshooting:
Warning lamp identification, basic operational issues, customer assistance contact information
Depth:
Focuses on owner-level operation, maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostic procedures.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if produced from OCR'd factory manual
Quality:
Digital reproduction of factory original, quality dependent on source scan.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (Digital Format)
Engine Code:
M272 (in most markets)
Engine Type:
3.5L V6 SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) with 24 valves
Displacement:
3498 cc (213.4 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
268 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE net)
Torque:
258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm (SAE net)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emission Standards:
Meets Tier 2 Bin 5 / LEV II emission standards (US market)
Type:
7-speed automatic transmission (7G-TRONIC)
Drive Type:
4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (standard on GLK350 in North America)
Modes:
Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes
Manual Mode:
Touchshift paddle shifters or gear selector manipulation for manual gear selection
Length:
171.3 inches (4351 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
66.9 inches (1700 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches (2755 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 4190 lbs (1900 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 5534 lbs (2510 kg)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
20.3 cubic feet (575 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
54.7 cubic feet (1550 liters)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 Stars (2011 Model Year - Note: Ratings can vary by specific test and year; consult NHTSA for definitive data)
IIHS Front Crash Rating:
Good (2011 Model Year)
Electronic Stability Program:
Standard (ESP)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR)
Braking Assist:
Standard (BAS)
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and belt-force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input. Optional COMAND APS system with navigation, Bluetooth, and higher-end audio.
Display:
Central dashboard display for infotainment and vehicle settings.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (if equipped).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional PARKTRONIC parking assist system and rearview camera.
Lighting:
Standard Halogen headlamps. Optional Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering function.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (based on Flexible Service System (FSS))
Major Service Interval:
Refer to FSS indicator or specific mileage/time intervals for spark plugs, transmission fluid, etc. (e.g., Spark plugs around 60,000-100,000 miles, transmission fluid around 40,000-80,000 miles depending on driving conditions and Mercedes-Benz recommendations).
Engine Oil:
MB 229.5 or MB 229.51 approved synthetic engine oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity (check manual for exact specs based on region and ambient temperature).
Coolant:
Mercedes-Benz approved Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., MB 325.0 or MB 326.0), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Plus (MB 331.0)
Transmission Fluid:
MB 236.14 approved automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid:
MB 343.0 or MB 345.0
M272 Engine Timing Chain Sprockets:
Early M272 engines (prior to significant revisions) could experience wear on timing chain sprockets, leading to potential timing issues. 2011 models are less susceptible but still worth noting. This is not typically covered in an owner's manual but is a known repair for the engine series.
Oil Cooler Leaks:
Potential for oil cooler seals to leak, particularly on higher mileage vehicles. Owner's manual will guide on checking oil levels.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Regular replacement is crucial for HVAC performance and air quality. Manual will detail location for self-service or indicate dealer service.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Standard maintenance item. Manual will guide on the correct part numbers and replacement procedure.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.
Oil Filter:
Example: Mann-Filter HU718/5z, Bosch 72352 (verify for exact model year and engine).
Air Filter:
Example: Mann-Filter C2430/1, Mahle LX1530 (verify for exact model year and engine).
Parent Company:
Daimler AG
Brand Focus:
Luxury vehicles, SUVs, and performance cars
Introduction Year:
2008 (for the X204 generation)
Design Inspiration:
Styled to evoke the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Production Location:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Generation Production Span:
2008-2015
Top Safety Pick:
The GLK-Class often received good ratings in safety tests, contributing to its appeal as a safe family vehicle, though specific 'Top Safety Pick' awards should be verified for the 2011 model year from IIHS.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings can vary by year; consult Consumer Reports for specific year-by-year data.
