Stumped removing centre console (2002 S8)

[stevebower]

Anyone know how to remove the centre console (between the seats)? I have all the fasteners out, (auto) lever trim off, armrests off etc. so all is loose but the sticking point seems be the handbrake lever - the book says 'slide the console forward till it clears the handbrake' but I can't do that because of the auto selector.

Any clues?

BTW, I have to do this because some kn*b in fitting a carphone decided that the best mount for the control box was hacking a section out of the air duct to the back vents. Now wasting a weekend to fit a new duct. Grief!