I recommend not even try to get the fuel line in, supply or return doesn't matter, in one piece. Make at least one or two connections in between. I think you can get it in in one piece only if you take the rear subframe out.
In my case I had the final drive removed (because I am doing the 6 speed conversion). But the hang up is on the driver side rear sub-frame. I bought 5/16" stainless steel tubing in 78" straight sections. I need three sections for the return and two for the supply.
But I am hardly in a position to give you any tips. I remove them only yesterday in drizzling rain. What a lousy weekend in New Jersey. I ordered a rigid 458R flaring tool to flare the stainless steel tubing. It should come in about a week.
'01 540it, 6/01
'03 325i 5 speed, 9/02
'10 535ix. 9/09
'10 mini 6 speed
'15 mini countryman 6 speed