Having just done this to my C230, I found that a thin, soft credit card (my grocery store's savings card) came in handy. It's strong enough for the job but is not too stiff. First gently lift up the plastic around the shifter and then the wood console itself. The trick is to slip the card under each surface and slowly, carefully lift up. Holding the cup holder half open gave me nice access to the wood console. Good luck.

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230