any recommendation on how to remove the armrest lid from the whole armrest assembly? it looks like there is just the plastic 'C' molding toward the back acting as a hinge, but how do i seperate teh two i feel like im going to break it

 

If you force it, you will. Look closely and you'll probably see that the inside of the armrest is a shell inserted into the outer part. The hinge is sandwiched between them. You have to remove the inside of the armrest to free up the hinge, so you can remove the lid.

This is how it worked on my buddy's 2000 Passat and I'm assuming a similar design philosophy.

 

I had mine open and bumped it with my elbow and popped it right off lol. I was like **** i broke it! but it slid right back in.

 

ok ill go put on my jacket and try that. thanks