Mercedes GLK X204SUV2008–2015

Mercedes GLK X204 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the first-generation GLK compact SUV — from the four-cylinder OM651 diesel to the V6 M272 petrol and the torque-rich OM642 V6 diesel. Real UK costs, honest reliability data, and the MRA platform that defined Mercedes' compact off-roader. Backed by 1,250+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED].

Explore X204 Engines
1,250+X204 Enquiries (2025)MB‑VERIFIED
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Mercedes GLK X204 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the X204 specifically — including the pre- and post-facelift changes that introduced the M276 and M274 families.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
M272.948M272Petrol, V6231 bhp2008–2012★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pre-2010 balance shaft risk; post-2010 improved]— (pattern data)£2,500–£5,500 [MB-QUOTE]
M272.991M272Petrol, V6306 bhp2009–2012★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — pre-2010 balance shaft risk; post-2010 improved]— (pattern data)£2,800–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]
M276.957M276Petrol, V6306 bhp2012–2015★★★★½ [PROVISIONAL — M276 successor to M272; improved reliability]390 [MB-VERIFIED]£3,000–£6,500 [MB-QUOTE]
M274.920M274Petrol, turbo184–211 bhp2013–2015★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — well-regarded M274 four-cylinder; reliable when maintained]— (pattern data)£2,000–£4,200 [MB-QUOTE]
OM651.912OM651Diesel, turbo143–204 bhp2009–2015★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — Mercedes-developed; reliable but watch injector seals]1,250 [MB-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,800 [MB-QUOTE]
OM651.916OM651Diesel, turbo136–170 bhp2008–2015★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — OM651 variant; same reliability profile]1,250 [MB-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,800 [MB-QUOTE]
OM642.832OM642Diesel, V6224 bhp2008–2010 (early)★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — V6 diesel; oil cooler seal and swirl flap issues]880 [MB-VERIFIED]£3,200–£5,500 [MB-QUOTE]
OM642.961OM642Diesel, V6265 bhp2010–2015★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL — high-output OM642; same oil cooler seal concerns]880 [MB-VERIFIED]£3,500–£6,000 [MB-QUOTE]
BMW 3 Series E90

Overview

Mercedes GLK X204 — Overview

The X204 is the first generation of the Mercedes‑Benz GLK‑Class, a compact luxury crossover SUV unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show and launched later that year.

Built on a modified version of the W204 C‑Class platform, it offered a boxy, rugged design language that set it apart from rivals like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. The engine range spanned from the 2.1‑litre OM651 four‑cylinder diesel to the 3.5‑litre M272 and M276 V6 petrol units, and the 3.0‑litre OM642 V6 diesel. A significant facelift arrived in 2012, bringing new engines including the M276 V6 petrol and updated OM651 diesel variants. Production ended in 2015, succeeded by the GLC‑Class (X253).

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes W204-based (shared with C‑Class W204)

Predecessor

none (new model line)

Successor

GLC‑Class (X253, 2015–present)

Sibling body styles in this generation

none (GLK is standalone compact SUV)

Market Intelligence

The X204 GLK generated 1,250+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], concentrated on the OM651 diesel as the most‑requested powertrain.

Best & Worst Engines

OM651.912 (GLK 220 CDI / 250 CDI) engine

Best Diesel Overall

OM651.912 (GLK 220 CDI / 250 CDI)

Mercedes' own 2.1‑litre four‑cylinder diesel, introduced in 2008, is the pick of the X204 diesel range — efficient, refined, and backed by a strong reliability record when serviced properly. The 250 CDI variant delivers 204 bhp with 500 Nm of torque.

Who it's for: buyers who want a modern, efficient diesel for high‑mileage SUV motoring.

M276.957 (GLK 350 4MATIC, facelift) engine

Best Petrol Overall

M276.957 (GLK 350 4MATIC, facelift)

Mercedes' 3.5‑litre V6, introduced with the 2012 facelift, replaced the M272 with a more refined and reliable unit. It delivers 306 bhp with a silky character and strong torque.

Who it's for: buyers who want V6 petrol refinement without the pre‑facelift M272's balance shaft concerns.

M272.948/991 (GLK 300 / 350, pre‑2010) engine

Highest Risk

M272.948/991 (GLK 300 / 350, pre‑2010)

The M272 V6 petrol is known for balance shaft sprocket wear on pre‑2010 models — a manufacturing defect that can lead to timing chain issues and catastrophic engine damage if ignored. Post‑2010 models are significantly improved.

Who it's for: buyers who want V6 petrol power but must verify the balance shaft has been addressed.

OM642.832/961 (GLK 320 CDI / 350 CDI) — oil cooler seal leak engine

Most Expensive Failure

OM642.832/961 (GLK 320 CDI / 350 CDI) — oil cooler seal leak

The V6 diesel's oil cooler seals are prone to failure, leaking oil into the V of the engine. Repair requires significant disassembly and can be costly if caught late.

Who it's for: buyers who want V6 diesel torque but can afford the premium maintenance.

OM651.912 (GLK 220 CDI) engine

Best Value

OM651.912 (GLK 220 CDI)

The mid‑range diesel offers the best balance of performance (170 bhp), economy (up to 44 mpg), and reliability. It's the sweet spot in the X204 range.

Who it's for: fleet buyers and high‑mileage drivers.

M274.920 (GLK 250 4MATIC) engine

Most Overlooked

M274.920 (GLK 250 4MATIC)

The 2.0‑litre four‑cylinder turbo petrol delivers 211 bhp with genuine performance and strong torque. It's often overlooked in favour of the diesels but offers a compelling blend of power and efficiency.

Who it's for: buyers who want petrol power without the V6 running costs.

Mercedes GLK X204 — Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
M272.948/991 (GLK 300/350, pre‑2010)60k–100kBalance shaft wear (pre‑2010), intake manifold flaps£800–£2,000£2,500–£6,000
Risk vs Reward — pre‑2010 cars need balance shaft history.
M272.948/991 (GLK 300/350, 2010–2012)60k–100kIntake manifold flaps, coolant leaks£500–£1,200£2,500–£6,000
Good Value — post‑2010 M272 is improved.
M276.957 (GLK 350, facelift)50k–90kCoolant leaks, water pump£500–£1,200£3,000–£6,500
Best Petrol — refined and reliable.
M274.920 (GLK 200/250)40k–80kTiming chain wear, carbon buildup£500–£1,200£2,000–£4,200
Modern Petrol — efficient and responsive.
OM651.912/916 (GLK 200/220/250 CDI)80k–150kInjector seal leaks (Black Death), DPF clogging£400–£1,200£2,800–£4,800
Best Diesel — efficient, durable, Mercedes‑developed.
OM642.832 (GLK 320 CDI)60k–100kOil cooler seal leak, swirl flap motor£800–£1,500£3,200–£5,500
V6 Diesel — smooth but watch for oil leaks.
OM642.961 (GLK 350 CDI)60k–120kOil cooler seal leak, AdBlue/SCR issues£800–£1,800£3,500–£6,000
Powerful Diesel — more power, more maintenance.

The X204 rule

A £2,800–£4,800 OM651 recon against a £4,000–£12,000 X204 sits at 23–120% of the car's value. On a sub‑£5,000 X204, that brushes our 70% Mercedes threshold — we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well‑kept £8,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 35–60% — a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

  • Which X204 Costs Least To Own?

    GLK 220 CDI (OM651) — best balance of economy and reliability.

  • Which X204 Costs Most To Own?

    GLK 350 CDI (OM642) — V6 diesel running costs add up.

  • Which X204 Is Best Value?

    GLK 220 CDI (OM651) — the sweet spot in the range.

Common Problems

X204 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

No Generation variance from the Model Page's baseline figures — the X204 shares its platform with the C‑Class (W204), so engine‑bay access and labour times are consistent across the range. Costs are inherited directly per the Authority Model, with no divergence note required.

Core Variants

Core Variants

Scope note: All variants listed are X204 first‑generation GLK only. The GLK was replaced by the GLC‑Class (X253) in 2015.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

  1. 1.1. OM651 (2.1 diesel) — most‑requested across the Mercedes range [MB‑VERIFIED]
  2. 2.2. OM642 (3.0 V6 diesel) — strong demand for the 350 CDI
  3. 3.3. M272/M276 (V6 petrol) — enthusiast demand for the GLK 350

Most Requested E90 Variants

  1. 1.1. GLK 220 CDI
  2. 2.2. GLK 350 CDI
  3. 3.3. GLK 350 4MATIC (petrol)

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£2,000–£6,500 supply only [MB‑QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

  1. 1.1. OM651 injector seal leaks (Black Death)
  2. 2.2. OM642 oil cooler seal leaks
  3. 3.3. M272 balance shaft wear (pre‑2010)
Live Feed
VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries
Mercedes GLK 220 CDI X204 (OM651)

Mercedes GLK 220 CDI X204 (OM651)

London
Ticking noise from engine bay, suspected injector seal leak

5

enquiries

Mercedes GLK 350 CDI X204 (OM642)

Mercedes GLK 350 CDI X204 (OM642)

Birmingham
Oil in coolant, suspected oil cooler seal failure

4

enquiries

Mercedes GLK 350 X204 (M272)

Mercedes GLK 350 X204 (M272)

Manchester
Rough idle, intake manifold flap issue

3

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

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