Got a tear/ rip on door armrest handle...

Hey Fellas,

I bought my 2000 c230 used and in the driver's door armrest it had a small puncture. This puncture has turned into a 1" tear!
Does any one have any ideas on how to fix this so it looks good and wont spread any more?
This gash looks at me everytime I open the door on my sweet ride.

The interior is tan and the material seems to be vinyl or some other composite material.
How about replacing the part? Seems complicated considering it has airbags. and were to purchase the part besides the dealer?

Thanks for the input,
Alex.

Your interior is not leather is MBTex an high quality vinyl, is the car STARMarKed or still under factory warranty, if so I would get them to fix it. Or go to a good shop and tell them you want MBTex vinyl, as others won't match or look as good. Don't try any of those vinyl repair kits you see on TV or in some stores they are junk and could do more damage. The armrest should e separate from the air bad, check to see if there are screw under the arm rest they might have caps on them. Try this site http://www.mercedesshop.com/main.htm, click on fast lane, if the parts not there talk to Phil, there prices are great and the service is terrific, I have bought a couple of parts from them and save big $$. Tell Phil Al Lueb sent you.