how does this part come out?

[LotusFella]

Looks like it just pops out after removing the the knobs?  Someone did a poor paint job on mine. Mine's a manual.

[kkv444v]

Yes, it will prise off using a trim tool. Had to remove mine recently to plug in the fan switch connector that had not been refitted securely. 

[agentdr8]

It pulls upward, and slightly rearward, with a solid yank. Knobs don't even need to be removed. Most likely, one or more of the metal spring clips (#11) will come off and/or fall into the center tunnel abyss. A magnetic retrieval tool helps to find them. 

[LotusFella]

thx all.

[electro_boy]

Yep as the above, use a trim tool to prise it off, work bit by bit around the edge, on my S1 interior I don't need to take the knobs off or gear knob to just get access behind it.

One clip on mine was held on super tight and the trim panel would not fully release.  For ages I was looking for a hidden fastening that did not exist but then just threw caution to the wind and put some more force on the prising tool and the panel popped off.

[Alfa2Evora]

I'm reliably informed that this guy can help if you're stuck, .

[Ba55uma]

You will only ever need two tools to mend things. If they are meant to be together use a gaffer tape, if they are meant to be separate use the hammer. 

 

[BigTed]

This video might be useful. This guy also has quite a few more interesting Evora videos on his channel.