The 2 that I've removed (300SD and 240D) I dropped the center support which makes clearance for the front yoke to slide rearward. Mine both took a significant pry as the flex disc was well and truly stuck on its centering pin. I had to work my way around the circumference of the disc and work it rearward.

I still have both those driveshafts if anyone wants them - I can't speak to their condition.

Dan