how do i remove this?
 

how do i remove this plastic side piece next to the center console?

I just did a quick google and found a breakaway of it. Looks to be a screw up top. part number is 68135-CD800.

http://www.nissanpartszone.com/diagr...id-680a003.png

yep, needs to drivers side dash bottom pulled, a few screws on that too,

only the drivers side dash bottom needs to be pulled? what about the headunit?

Yes of course. Assuming you already did that and just had a hard time removing the side piece still.