Probably same issue with Volvo S60, V70 (2001-2010 etc.).
The Volvo axle has a C-Clip, if one rotates the axle and tug it, eventually the "open" end of C-clip faces 6:00 o'clock position, now the round part of C-Clip is inside the groove of the axle ---> easy removal.

I learned this trick from a Volvo tech.

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1998 E39 528i 5sp MT
2006 E53 X5 3.0 6sp MT