My W201 has that same cloth interior (Euro model). I've learned to put my left hand back so that it covers the bolster as I slide into the seat - I could see early on that the slight fuzz there on the bolster was likely to wear through if I didn't take care.

Kurt

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- '79 240D - engine swap complete! Engine broken in! 28-31 mpg! Lovin' the ride!
- '86 190D (W201-126) - 2.5 NA engine, 5 speed, cloth interior, manual climate controls, 33-34 mpg (sold to forum member).