Can't remove window adjustment switch to access downtubes (w/video!)
 

No matter what I do I cannot remove the window adjustment switch so I can lift up the entire middle console in order to remove both down tubes to get my stereo out. Please help me realize what I am doing wrong? it's driving me insane.

Maybe your car is different but on my 2005 Cooper (R50) the downtubes come lose without having to diddle with the floor console.

I loosened the screws on the tubes and either pulled them away at the top, or lifted up and away. Something like that. They didn't come all the way out, but the moved enough to get the stereo out.

When you hear "tricks" to remove them...
Be aware there are 2 different designs.... The early just twist them off, and the later ones that require more fiddling ( think the change happened when the dash went from the 5 piece to the 3 in a redesign to limit rattles).
Some of the ian auto window up threads might have both tube removals ( and the "blind") method which only works for the auto-up....

The mirror/seat heater switch panel just prys up. Stick a screwdriver under it, or you can reach into the shifter hole and push up the switch panel from inside. Once the switch panel is out, you will see a screw that holds down the console at that end.

As others have said, if your goal is merely to access a module in the center stack, you don't have to completely remove the downtubes. Remove the screws from the sides of the downtubes and pull the tubes down until their tops release from the dash. As I recall you have to pull down the drivers knee bolster panel and maybe open the glovebox door. Then you will be able to spread the tops of the downtubes out and expose the screws for center stack components.