Assuming it's the same as the F30, it pops off easily with trim removal tools. Just place it in the top center and pry off. But there's really no room behind it. The dash under it curves just like the panel. It just allows you to access the wires/led for the ashtray light.
Pics # 2 and 4 in
THIS THREAD kind of give you an idea, but they aren't at a very good angle.
There is a nice void above the panel you're asking about beneath the NBT unit. The reason for the void? The CIC unit in 1st gen F30s took up the whole space.
Check out 1:20 - 2:00 of
THIS video. It should answer all your questions.