Decode Your VIN
Enter your vehicle's VIN code to discover all technical specifications. The VIN consists of 17 alphanumeric characters.
Decode any Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN free. Type the 17-character number from your GLK compact SUV into the decoder above and pull the chassis series (X204), model year, engine family, transmission, drivetrain, factory options, plant of origin, and open NHTSA recalls. No sign-up.
This page is the dedicated GLK hub. The GLK was Mercedes’ first compact SUV, sold from 2008 to 2015. It was replaced by the GLC in 2015. If you have a 2016+ GLC, use our GLC-Class VIN decoder page instead.
About the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
The GLK-Class launched in 2008 as Mercedes’ first compact SUV, sitting below the M-Class. Only one generation:
| Generation | Years | Chassis code | Body | Primary plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only GLK generation | 2008 to 2015 | X204 | 5-door compact SUV with squared-off styling | Bremen (DE), Beijing (CN) |
The GLK was built on the W204 C-Class platform. Its styling was intentionally squared-off, closer to the G-Class than to modern rounded SUVs. When Mercedes replaced it with the GLC in 2015, the design language shifted decisively to softer, curved SUV styling.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class WMI codes (positions 1 to 3)
| WMI | Country | Plant | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| WDC | Germany | Bremen (SUV) | European and North American market GLKs (majority of production) |
| LE4 / LMG | China | Beijing Benz (BBAC) | Chinese domestic market GLK |
How to decode a Mercedes GLK VIN, position by position
Positions 1 to 3: WMI
WDC on any German-built GLK; Chinese-built variants use LE4 or LMG.
Positions 4 to 8: VDS
Positions 4 to 6 read 204 on every GLK. This is the same chassis code base as the W204 C-Class, on which the GLK is built. Position 7 distinguishes the GLK SUV from the C-Class sedan/wagon/coupe.
Position 8 engine codes:
| Char (pos 8) | Engine | Fitment |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | M272 3.0L / 3.5L V6 petrol | GLK 300, GLK 350 (2010 to 2012) |
| 6 | M276 3.5L V6 petrol | GLK 350 (2013 to 2015 facelift) |
| 8 | OM651 2.1L I4 diesel | GLK 220 CDI, GLK 250 BlueTEC (2013 to 2015 US) |
| 9 | OM642 3.0L V6 diesel | GLK 320 CDI, GLK 350 CDI (2009 to 2012) |
| K | M270 2.0L I4 turbo petrol | GLK 250 (Europe 2013 to 2015) |
Position 9: Check digit
Calculated from the other 16. Enforced on US-market GLKs by NHTSA and every state DMV.
Position 10: Model year
| Char | Year |
|---|---|
| 9 | 2009 (GLK launch) |
| A | 2010 (first US model year) |
| B | 2011 |
| C | 2012 |
| D | 2013 (facelift with M276) |
| E | 2014 |
| F | 2015 (final GLK year) |
Position 11: Assembly plant
| Char | Plant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G | Bremen, Germany | Primary GLK plant |
| V | Beijing (BBAC), China | Chinese domestic market only |
Positions 12 to 17: Serial number
Production sequence stamped on your specific GLK.
GLK trim levels
- GLK 200 (Europe, 2.0L I4)
- GLK 220 CDI / GLK 250 BlueTEC (diesel)
- GLK 250 (Europe 2.0L turbo)
- GLK 280 / GLK 300 (V6 petrol)
- GLK 320 CDI / GLK 350 CDI (V6 diesel)
- GLK 350 (US spec V6 petrol, base US trim)
- GLK 350 4Matic
The GLK was never offered with an AMG trim; the highest performance variant was the GLK 350 with either V6 petrol or V6 diesel drivetrain.
Where to find the VIN on a Mercedes GLK
- Lower-left corner of the windshield
- Driver-side B-pillar Datacard sticker
- Stamped on the strut tower under the hood
- Stamped into the passenger-side floorpan under the front carpet
- Stamped on the engine block, top rear near the firewall
- Vehicle title, registration, insurance card
Mercedes GLK recalls and known issues
The GLK has been part of Takata airbag inflator campaigns affecting most model years, a 2010 to 2012 balance-shaft wear service action on M272 V6 units, and a 2013 to 2015 fuel line recall on select diesel variants. Beyond formal recalls, owners should watch balance-shaft wear on early M272 V6 engines and the panorama sunroof frame (a documented weak point on X204 units).
To check a specific GLK:
- Decode the VIN with the tool above to confirm the exact chassis series and model year
- Cross-reference the 17-character VIN with the Mercedes-Benz USA recall lookup and the NHTSA recall database
- Contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz authorised service centre for any open campaign repair
Frequently asked questions
How do I decode a Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class VIN?
Type the 17-character VIN from the windshield, B-pillar sticker, or title into the decoder at the top of this page. Results include model year, engine, drivetrain, and plant. No sign-up.
Is the GLK the same as the GLC?
The GLC replaced the GLK in 2015 but they are different platforms. The GLK (X204, 2008 to 2015) was based on the W204 C-Class and had squared-off, geometric styling. The GLC (X253, 2015 to 2022) is based on the W205 C-Class and has softer, curved styling. Different chassis code (204 vs 253), different platform, different generation.
What is the difference between GLK 250 BlueTEC and GLK 350?
The GLK 250 BlueTEC (US, 2013 to 2015) uses the OM651 2.1L I4 diesel with an SCR (BlueTEC) emissions system. The GLK 350 uses the M272 or M276 3.5L V6 petrol depending on model year. Both were sold new in the US; the 250 BlueTEC is a comparatively rare choice on the used market.
Is the Mercedes GLK VIN decoder free?
Yes. VinDecoderPlus decodes every GLK VIN free of charge with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is available as an optional paid upgrade.
Can a GLK VIN be faked?
The B-pillar Datacard sticker can be replaced, but the strut-tower stamp, floorpan stamp, and engine block stamp are physically tied to the car. On a genuine GLK all four match. The guide how to check if a car is stolen by VIN covers the verification steps.
Decode any Mercedes GLK VIN free
Type your 17-character GLK VIN into the decoder at the top of this page for an instant breakdown.
For related reading:
- Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder hub for the brand-wide guide
- How to read a VIN number for the general standard
- What every character in a VIN means for a position-by-position reference
- VIN decoder vs. vehicle history report for what a decode covers vs. what it doesn’t
