🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mercedes-Benz

Model:

GLK350 4MATIC

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

X204

Engine Code:

272.964

Transmission Code:

722.9 (7G-TRONIC PLUS)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Luxury SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a blend of Mercedes-Benz luxury, SUV practicality, and capable all-wheel drive in a more compact and maneuverable package than larger models.

Key Competitors:

BMW X3, Audi Q5, Lexus RX, Acura RDX, Volvo XC60.

Design Philosophy:

Combines rugged G-Class styling cues with modern crossover practicality and Mercedes-Benz luxury appointments.

Powertrain Offering:

Focuses on a powerful yet relatively efficient V6 engine and the brand's advanced 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

📋 Manual Details

Major Sections:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 400-500 pages (based on typical Mercedes-Benz owner's manuals for this era and complexity).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, battery, starting system, charging system, 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Chassis:

Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), instrument cluster, gauges, warning lamps, electrical fuses, power outlets, infotainment system, climate control system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchorages, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), central locking and anti-theft alarm system.

Basic Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks and adjustments, changing wiper blades, refueling procedures, jump-starting the battery, basic cleaning procedures.

Driver Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection (P, R, N, D, M), operating the parking brake, using cruise control, operating the climate control system, using the infotainment system (radio, CD player, Bluetooth), adjusting seating positions, operating power windows and locks, using interior and exterior lighting.

Safety Operation:

Understanding seat belt usage, proper use of child restraints, engaging/disengaging driver assistance systems (if applicable), understanding warning lights and indicators.

Diagnostic Level:

Primarily focused on user-level understanding and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures for complex electronic systems or internal engine/transmission repairs, which would be found in a separate service manual.

Repair Level:

Limited to user-replaceable parts or basic adjustments. Focuses on informing the owner about vehicle operation and maintenance, not on performing complex repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

Digital PDF, compiled from factory original. Likely contains searchable text and clear, legible diagrams and illustrations.

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing, but can be printed by the user on standard printers. Print quality would depend on the user's printer capabilities.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format).

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital PDF format).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3498 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

92.9 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.7:1

Horsepower:

268 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

258 lb-ft @ 2400-5000 rpm

Injection Type:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Oil Type:

Mobil 1 Synthetic or equivalent, meeting MB-Approval 229.5.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.9 U.S. quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change.

Air Filter Part Number:

A2720900101 (Typical, verify with VIN)

Coolant Type:

MB-Approval 325.0 or 326.0 (Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

7-speed Automatic with TouchShift

Transmission Fluid Type:

MB 236.14 (or equivalent approved fluid)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 U.S. quarts (7.1 liters) for refill, higher for overhaul.

Drive Modes:

Comfort (C) and Sport (S) modes.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

176.6 inches (4485 mm)

Width:

72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

66.7 inches (1694 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.5 inches (2755 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4167 lbs (1890 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approximately 5401 lbs (2450 kg)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

Approximately 20.5 cu ft (580 liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

Approximately 54.7 cu ft (1550 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:

Not directly specified in the owner's manual, but typically 4 or 5 stars for vehicles of this era based on separate crash test data.

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.

Tpms:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) standard.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, front side-impact airbags, window curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchor points and top tether anchors in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

COMAND APS infotainment system with integrated radio, CD/DVD player, and optional navigation. Features a central display, auxiliary input, and potentially Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Instrument Cluster Features:

Multi-function display showing trip computer, fuel economy, service reminders, tire pressure, and warning indicators. Features include analog tachometer and speedometer.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control with speed limiter function.

Parking Assistance:

Front and rear Parktronic parking sensors, with a graphical display in the instrument cluster or central display.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth interface for hands-free phone operation and audio streaming.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, based on the Flexible Service System (FSS). However, driving conditions can influence this. Refer to the manual for specific FSS indicator messages.

Major Service Intervals:

Key service intervals include spark plug replacement (e.g., every 60,000 miles), transmission fluid and filter service (e.g., every 60,000-80,000 miles, consult dealer for specific recommendations), and brake fluid replacement (every 2 years).

Power Steering Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific specification, typically hydraulic fluid meeting MB-approval.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Plus (MB-Approval 331.0 or equivalent).

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Water and Mercedes-Benz concentrated washer fluid additive, or equivalent approved product.

Common Wear Items:

While the manual doesn't detail common issues, typical wear items for this model include suspension components (struts, control arms), brake pads and rotors, and potentially early signs of oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil cooler seals on higher mileage vehicles. The M272 engine had some issues with the balance shaft sprocket in earlier years, but the 2011 models generally have this addressed or are less prone.

Electronic Components:

Infotainment system glitches or telematics system faults can occur, often resolved with software updates or component resets. The transfer case actuator for the 4MATIC system can be a point of failure on some models.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Legacy:

Mercedes-Benz has a long-standing reputation for automotive engineering excellence, luxury, safety, and durability, dating back to the invention of the automobile itself.

Glk Introduction:

The GLK-Class (X204) was introduced for the 2008 model year in Europe and for the 2009 model year in North America, as Mercedes-Benz's entry into the compact luxury SUV segment.

Generation Notes:

The 2011 model represents the pre-facelift version of the first generation (X204). A significant mid-cycle refresh occurred for the 2013 model year.

Manufacturing Location:

Assembled at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards:

While specific awards for the 2011 GLK350 4MATIC may not be readily cited in the owner's manual itself, the GLK-Class generally received positive safety reviews from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for its structural integrity and safety features in its class.