Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6
Mercedes GLK 2008 3.0 diesel description
Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 has been produced from 2010 to 2012. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 231 horsepower on 3800 rpm and torque 540 Nm (Newton metres) on 1600 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 360 up to 600 thousand kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs
The Mercedes-Benz OM642 is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel widely used in many models under the 3.0 CDI or 350 CDI designation. It is known for strong performance and good durability when maintained properly, and well-kept engines are capable of exceeding 500,000 ...
This Mercedes GLK 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51 and oil capacity is 8.8 litres.
Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 7 gears.
Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 7.3 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 225 km/h.
Mercedes GLK safety
During safety testing Mercedes GLK has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of Mercedes GLK is evaluated with very good rate 89 from 100, children safety: good mark - 76 from 100, for pedestrian protection Mercedes GLK got 47 points from 100.
Mercedes GLK safety equipment has been rated as very good - 86 percents from 100.
Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 technical data
| Model: | Mercedes GLK GLK 350 CDI V6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Crossover / SUV | ||
| Production period: | 2010. January ... 2012. December | ||
| Engine: | 2987 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | no data |
| Power: | 231 HP ON 3800 RPM | Torque: | 540 NM ON 1600 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (7 gears) | Drive type: | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| Top speed: | 225 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 7.3 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | no data | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 66 litres (17.4 gallons) | ||
| Car dimensions: | 4.52m (length) 1.86m (width) 1.70m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 11.5 meters | ||
| Ground clearance: | 201 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
| Seats: | 5 seats | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 450 litres | ||
| Trunk max capacity: | 1550 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
| Gross weight: | 2500 kg | ||
Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 engine OM642 350 CDI
Engine reliability and common problems:
The Mercedes-Benz OM642 is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel widely used in many models under the 3.0 CDI or 350 CDI designation. It is known for strong performance and good durability when maintained properly, and well-kept engines are capable of exceeding 500,000 km. At the same time, the unit has several characteristic weak points that tend to appear with age.One of the most well-known problems affects early engines produced before around 2010. The oil cooler sits deep in the valley of the V-engine, and the sealing gaskets eventually harden and begin to leak. When this happens, oil accumulates in the center of the engine block, and fixing the issue requires significant disassembly, making the repair relatively expensive.
The intake system can also cause trouble. The swirl flaps are operated by plastic linkages that may break over time, which leads to uneven engine operation, warning lights, and reduced power. The Bosch fuel system itself is generally efficient, but the piezo injectors are sensitive to fuel quality and are expensive to replace, often with little possibility of repair.
Turbocharger problems sometimes appear as mileage grows. Carbon deposits may cause the variable geometry mechanism to stick, and in some cases particles from a deteriorating exhaust manifold can damage the turbocharger. The engine is also quite sensitive to oil pressure. Issues with the oil pump, contaminated oil, or overheating can lead to bearing damage if lubrication becomes insufficient.
Additional concerns include the crankcase ventilation system, where the membrane inside the PCV valve may fail, as well as typical diesel emissions components such as the EGR valve and diesel particulate filter, which can become clogged over time.
Despite these weaknesses, the OM642 remains a respected engine when serviced correctly. It delivers strong performance, uses a durable double-row timing chain, and the cylinder heads are equipped with hydraulic lifters that reduce maintenance needs. With regular oil changes—preferably every 10,000 km or sooner—and good-quality fuel, it can be a long-lasting and capable diesel engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 360,000 to 600,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
| Engine displacement | 2987 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 83 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 92 mm |
| Compression ratio | 18 : 1 |
| Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
| Timing chain change interval | 400,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
| Fuel system | Common Rail Common rail fuel injection provides more engine power, is quieter, more environmentally friendly and offers better fuel economy, but is more expensive to maintain and repair. |
| Mercedes GLK 2008 GLK 350 CDI V6 oil type | 5W-30, MB 228.51/229.51 |
| Oil capacity | 8.8 litres (9.3 quarts) More service info |
| Power | 231 - 265 HP ON 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 540 - 620 NM ON 1600 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2005 |
| Duration of production | 21 years |
| Engine also used on | Mercedes C klase Mercedes E klase Mercedes ML Mercedes S klase and 5 other models |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
Most often compared to
All Mercedes GLK crossover [2008 - 2012] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes GLK 2010 2.1 GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Jan 2010 — Dec 2011 | 2.1 Diesel | 143 HP | - | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
| Mercedes GLK 2011 2.1 GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Jan 2011 — Dec 2012 | 2.1 Diesel | 143 HP | - | Manual (6) | Rear wheel |
| Mercedes GLK 2010 2.1 GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Automatic Jan 2010 — Dec 2011 | 2.1 Diesel | 143 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Rear wheel |
| Mercedes GLK 2011 2.1 GLK 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Automatic Jan 2011 — Dec 2012 | 2.1 Diesel | 143 HP | - | Automatic (7) | Rear wheel |
|
Mercedes GLK 2.1 220 2008 CDI 4Matic 4x4
Jun 2008 — Jan 2012 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.1 Diesel | 170 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes GLK 3.0 280 2008 4Matic 4x4
Jun 2008 — Jan 2012 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 10.4 l/100km | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
| Mercedes GLK 3.0 320 2008 CDI 4Matic 4x4 Jun 2008 — Jan 2012 | 3.0 Diesel | 224 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes GLK 2010 3.0 GLK 350 CDI V6 4x4
Jan 2010 — Dec 2012 Most powerfull diesel version (231 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 231 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes GLK 3.5 350 2008 4Matic 4x4
Jun 2008 — Jan 2012 Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
3.5 Petrol | 272 HP | 10.6 l/100km | Automatic (7) | All wheel |
|
Mercedes GLK 2011 3.5 GLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY V6 4x4
Jan 2011 — Dec 2012 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds |
3.5 Petrol | 306 HP | - | Automatic (7) | All wheel |