Hey, I'm in the middle of this project and have the rear seat and rear parcel shelf out, and pillars/trim. Now I just need to get the window itself out, but the original seal is rock hard so I can't just roll it over the edge of the body opening. I'm guessing I need to cut it carefully out from the inside. What should I use? I don't want to damage the glass or the paint. Thanks - Mike

You need a really sharp knife to cut it out.

Watch this video and follow. Be very careful. It's easy to break the glass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hAT0aSIyM&t=131s

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'80 300SD - '83 240D - '00 E55 AMG - '02 G500

That's a great video. I wish I could just work the seal over the edge of the lip like he does. Mine is rock solid from years of baking in the sun.

Glass people cut them out. My friend that does body work cuts them out and hires the install. If damaging glass is likely, hire both R&R. It will be cheaper than sourcing another or living with a poor job.

Buy yourself a utility knife and a pack of hawk bill blades. Cut the seal on the outside until you've cut all the way around the glass. Don't rush and scratch the paint or glass. My first and only try took all of 10 minutes.

When you've cut around the glass the glass will lift right out without any prying or tools. Give it a gentle bump from the inside and have two good men ready to keep it from flying across the floor when it breaks the seal between it and the remaining rubber gasket.

Whunter posted a good DYI article on replacing the seal and glass. It's in the DYI section.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic