Z3 axle removal help

Help....... I'm trying to remove the rear diff unit on my 02 Z3 coupe. I have removed the bolts that hold the axle flange to the diff flange and can't seem to seperate them. Is there a trick to this or are they attached in another manner (hidden fastener???). Your help and experience appreciated in advance.

According to the Bently service manual it should come apart easily. Make sure that you have relieved the pressure from the trailing arm and shock at the wheel end of the axle.

Smack them, they'll come out!

Take care not to dent the thin sheetmetal caps, or they'll start leaking grease.

Thanks for your help, I finally got them seperated. There was some rust in there holding them together. Soaking with penetrating oil (Kroil) helped alot.