Guys I've done this job more than a half dozen times. Guess the problem is there's always a long time between the jobs.
After wasting way too much time "relearning" this, I'm posting this for my future reference and for anyone else about to do the job.
One uses an old credit card to release the 4 plastic tabs holding the surround in place.
Don't get misdirected by the Jaguar workshop that advises you to lay tape around the surround - if you're like me you start thinking you're going to slide tha credit card horizontal between the wood surface and the surround to push the tab inward toward the shifter. Don't laugh but I just did for more than a half hour...you don't & it doesn't work :-)
The credit card slides in vertically between the surround and the shifter display. You are actually pushing the tabs outward towards the nearest car door direction, but you dont need to do much more than slip the plastic down.
FWIW the 2 tabs (left and right) nearest the Sports button are located in line with the shifter's "horizontal" channel where it moves left to right from Drive to 4 on my 1998 North American xk8. Figure that might help you get in position easier.

John

 

I don't like these rules. If we can't laugh what's the point?

I've gotten to using a hotel key cut in half long ways to depress the tab. Using several others to prop up under the 'success' while I proceed to the next target. That way, cursing the reengagement of the tab and a second opportunity to break the tab are minimized.

 

Dale, great idea about the hotel keys, I used them time before last. But, I should add they can be dangerous as hell.

Let me explain. I went to a few local hotels, asked nicely for a key card, they obliged. I did the job, went well. Gathered the cards up and put them in the center console. A few weeks later I opened the console to get my girlfriend a hair tie or something. Strange silence. . . Then she just said: "I've never been to these hotels!"

Of course I just explained it to her, easy stuff, obviously all's going to be right, right?

Well, something tells me every man who reads this knows the real answer.

Let's just say it was, um, a really quiet ride home that night.

John

 

Oh I remember those good old days of trying to get that trim off. First and worst part of removing the centre console! Eventually broke the tabs (plastic was really brittle) so went with the DCR Auto supplied upgrade.

 

You know, I guess I got lucky, didn't realize until now. Just watched Sam's video, used 2 hotel cards and had no trouble at all. I replaced mine with the chrome Mina bezel, I suppose if anybody is in dire need of one I'd sell mine. Still have it with the brackets and screws, though I see no reason to stick with the original. When removing the center console I did however scuff the cover by the rear seats with my nail, had to sand it, use filler, and re-dye it.