Removing the "chrome" surround on the DSG shifter?

[daver555]

Mine has a number of chinks and scrapes and I would like to remove it and renovate it. How do you remove it as it seems to not want to budge!?!

 

[Cooperuk]

Just done mine over the weekend. Open the ashtray, grip the front of the gearshift surround and pull hard...

It's a bit scary as you think it'll snap before it comes free but it'll be alright.