How do i remove the shifter on an A4(1996)? Not just the bottom plate, but the thing with the button on it too. HELP!

 

There's a large staple in the front that runs across the stitched seam. You need to use a medium, dull screw driver to pry it forward. You then pull the **** upwards. You might need a small twisting action but it comes off my shifter with ease.

I will leave the entire shifter removal to someone with more experience.

 

You need to put the car in 1st gear or 2nd which ever you can do so you can get to the staple in the front, then like said before use either a flat head screw driver or a pair of plyers to pull it out, just make sure if you use a screw driver you dont send the staple flying somewhere, where you cant find it. Then just pull up on the ****, but watch out if its the first time you are taking it off, because it will probably be stuck and when you pull on it it will fly up and hit you in the chin(I learned this one the hard way)