BMW Repair: 528e, drive shaft, driveshaft

Question
Josh,  I know your expertise is with 3 series but, I need help.  We are attempting
to replace the clutch and we are at the point of removing the drive shaft.  The
Chilton's manual we have says to bend it at the center bearing to separate the
front from the back.  We cannot bend it far enough to allow the two to separate.  
Should we keep trying or are we doing something wrong?

Answer
Ken,
 For your information, the Chilton's manual is VERY vague with directions and descriptions.  They also relate everything to the 3 and 5 series in the same book.  If you need/want a better manual I highly recommend the Bentley Manual.  Its specific to the your 5-series and is much more in-depth with directions.

 I haven't ever split the drive shaft to drop it, Its just as easy to remove the whole driveshaft as it is to remove half.  Just loosen the back-end of the driveshaft from the differential and it will allow enough play to get the front of the driveshaft off of the transmission.  If you do decide to split the driveshaft and pull it off in halves, MAKE SURE you align them how they were.  Usually there is a white dot painted on both sides and these are where the shaft was balanced.  Line both of these white dots up when you reassemble the driveshaft.  If you dont see any white dots scribe a line across both pieces of shaft so you can put it back together and it wont vibrate.

 Good luck,
 Josh