The front passenger one I can actually hear trying to work. I tried helping the glass but nothing, so I will have to take the door panel off as well. At least I already know its getting power, so the switch is good.

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1990 300d 2.5 turbo
1995 E300d

If you encounter this again, with the window in the closed position and the cables won't budge, try unmounting the electric motor from the spool housing. Generally the motor is held on with two screws clearly visible on the joint where it entered the housing. Withdrawal the motor straight out with the worm gear, this will allow the spool and cable to move freely to raise/lower window glass. Just remember to hold the window in place as you remove the motor gear so that it doesn't drop on you when tension is removed.

Accessing the Torx screws on the metal cover. Given the tight space, a 1/4 in ratcheting box end wrench housing the torx bit should allow you to access all screws with the regulator in place. The front regulators are completely different where the motor operates a toothed gear on the reg, and the motor can be removed without taking the reg out. The front motors may also have a thermo switch that can corrode and cut power to the motor, so if you have power issues, check there before pulling motor.

I should buy a 1/4 inch ratcheting wrench. I have a few of those in the common sizes like 13 and 14 mm, but nothing that small. I'll do that for the next door. It didn't seem like this regulator was bad, but seized up in the spool or the motor. The front one I can hear the motor trying to run.

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1990 300d 2.5 turbo
1995 E300d

I managed to get the front passenger window going today. I started by taking off the panel, cleaning and lubing the gears, lubricated the pivot points and the sliding channels near the bottom of the glass. Still nothing. Then I pushed all around the glass, inside and out to free up the side channels. I freed up the bottom scraper, and then hammered the motor a little. That was what it took, and now it works fine.

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1990 300d 2.5 turbo
1995 E300d

Sounds like your motor needs attention. When hammering on my starter motor worked (for a while) when I got inside of it, I found the brushes were worn out.

You are getting more and more experience.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

It may need a new motor, we will see. It should have a lot less resistance now that its not fighting the glass which hadn't moved in 2 years, and the dried up grease on the pivot points and the gears. I just have to remember to use it at least once a month or so.

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1990 300d 2.5 turbo
1995 E300d

You're not paying attention to what he said : tapping that makes an electric motor work is a normal sign of worn out brushes .

Brushes are far cheaper than replacement motors .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

Ok, I see your point. I don't know how to replace brushes on a motor, but I could probably figure it out with YouTube. Are the brushes readily available?

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1990 300d 2.5 turbo
1995 E300d

I buy brushes on Amazon after I measure then .

NAPA auto parts stores have a book of brushes, again you need to measure the old ones .

In general my philosophy is : it's already broken so why not take it apart to learn how it works, maybe I can fix it .

Not many Mechanics do this anymore but it's a great way to learn .

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-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better