Hi there, taking the console out of a Tdi 200 is a piece of cake and should only take about 15-20 mins tops.
Start by taking out the radio, then empty the cubby box if you have one. Lift off the rubber mats in the box and at the base of the 2 gear levers.
Undo the 4 screws at the base of the box and the 2 screws at the front end of the console.
Unhook the gearlever gaiter bases and undo the bolt that holds the main gear lever in position.
Prise out the window switch panel, remove the split pin on the handbrake and remove the pin, swing the handbrake lever upwards and remove the last screw.
Lift the console out the way reveals rubber sound absorbing stuff which you lift away then you should seal a large black rubber membrane thing held in place with rivets or self-tappers. Remove the outside edge fixings and the ones holding a small square metal frame at the base of the main gearlever, then lift the membrane away.
Now you should be able to see the gearbox. There is a square ally cover held in place by about 3 screws, remove it and you are at the place where the plate is - remove the old one , put the new one in and reassemble everything.
One & a half hours tops.
Cheers & good luck
Dave