I just purchased a 98 E320 wagon which has indentation in the top of the center console arm rest leather (vinyl?). It isn't broken thru but is about 1/4" deep. Does anyone know of any tricks to remove it? I have a heatgun but don't want to make it worse.

Thanks

 

I thought I'd post a little followup in case anyone finds this via a search.

I solved the problem when I found a guy locally who was parting out a 2000 Silver E320. I got his center console for $35 and installation was easy.

When I got ready to throw away my old one I decided to experiment. I softened the vinyl with my heat gun and it did improve the dents somewhat although not completely. The heat gun left a 'shiney' surface. I reheated the surface and used a small nylon brush to 'scrub' the area before the vinyl cooled completely. This took the edge off the shine but not 100%. I probably wouldn't recommend this procedure since it's risky (you're heating the vinyl to almost the melting point) and the results are fair at best.