533i Oil pan and Driveshaft problems

[izharkov@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Ilia Zharkov)]

Hi, guys
I have got two questions:
1. I hit a rock on a road and now there is a little crack (about 1/8-1/4in) on 
the bottom of the oil pan. The pan is rather expensive. Would it be possible 
somehow to welder it instead of changing for a new one?
2. The U-joint at the rear of the driveshaft is worn out. I ordered a new one 
from Eurasian Autoparts. The Bentley book sais, however, that U-joints are non 
servicable, and the driveshaft should be replaced as a unit. I believe Bentley, 
because the U-joint they've sent to me is kinda hard to insert anywhere. But 
before buying the whole driveshaft I want to ask your opinion.
Thanks, Ilia Zharkov.

------------------------------