Brabus shift knob removal Help.

[BB Benz]

This car seems built around this knob. I had a thorough carpet drenching due to a tailgate not being clicked shut the second click.
It appears that the knob must be removed to get the shift selector cover off which is best done in neutral, which locks the key in place, which keeps the shift cover from being removed......
This is the stitched leather knob, which I don't really want to damage.
Any ideas anyone??????
I need to get this carpet dried before it starts to mildew and before the next wave of rain comes through. Many thanks for you help with my BB Benz.

[Turbo42]

turn the shaft to the left then lift up on the handle

[Smart Enuf]

put the lever in P, wrap a big rubber band around the shaft for grip, twist the shaft quarter turn counter-clockwise (looking down), then lift the leather knob straight up. once you have the knob removed, you need to remove the console cover (one screw just beneath the emergency brake, covered by a circular plastic cover).