Sorry to hear this. I don't know the answer but have several theories, of which all except one is wrong or all are wrong.

1. You actually do rub this area while driving. One possible way to test it would be to roll a piece of box tape where the sticky side is facing up and the bottom of the roll is partly stuck to the worn area and part covered with some paper. This way the top will be very sticky and the bottom only having part contact. If the tape gets on your sleeve, you do touch it. This would be evidence but would not fix the problem except awareness.

2. The solution used to clean it is too harsh.

3. There is some manufacturing defect where the vinyl is very weak there but not elsewhere. I cannot image how that can happen but it might.

4. Someone in the family saw a stain and used an abrasive Brillo pad. Don't laugh. I have heard of family members using a damp rag to try to damp wipe the outside of the car instead of washing it. Don't get mad.

5. A mouse partly gnawed at it.

6. A mechanic or parking attendant got grease on it and overzealously tried to clean it.

To fix it without replacing the part, maybe try to color match it with a marker?

Consider driving with hands at 3 and 9 instead. I learned that at a race car driving school. At first, I was skeptical and my arms got tired. Soon, my muscles must have built up and I no longer have tired arms. 3 and 9 have better control than 10 and 2. Of course, the worse control is one hand at 6. One hand at 12 is not much better even though it looks cool.

 

To fix it without replacing the part

Not certain, but the part you replace is likely the leather cover and not the entire armrest. This is a huge advantage with the black interior -- its WAY easier to color-match.

I'd complain to the dealer and see if they'll either give you the cover or discount it heavily. That will give you a real repair. Either they give you the part now, or they'll have to deal with it when the lease is returned. Since it's likely a defect, the problem won't likely come back.

 

Thanks for your insight Dave. I appreciate it. Will definitely try the 3 and 9 arm positions.

I tend to think your (#3) response of a manufacturing defect is most likely what caused this.

Your (#1) response of box tape is very cool and will give this a try too.

Only use the light misting of water on a clean microfiber cloth (#2).

(#4) I'm single. Mostly just me in the car. I'm the only one who cleans it. Except for the one time (when I first got it) when it went in to the BMW dealer for it's first routine service. The gentleman at the dealer who cleaned it afterward used a dry orbital polisher on one half of the car (divided lengthwise) and scratched the clear-coat. The other half was still untouched and dusty. The dealer rectified it in their body shop.

(#5) A mouse? Love that! Now I'm laughing

(#6) No one other than me has been behind the wheel since the last routine service at the dealer a few months ago.

I'll bring it to the dealer next week and will post the results.

 

I call that a defect in materials and workmanship, covered by warranty.

 

I agree. I had my leather interior 2014 328i for 36 months and over 60K miles and did not experience this issue.

 

My armrest was replaced yesterday and was fully covered under warranty (see attached image).

The service department at my dealer was exemplary. When I initially brought the car in for them to look at it, they were apologetic and gracious. They placed the order for a new armrest immediately.

I was given a sparkling clean new metallic white 330xi with 300 miles on the clock as a loaner. I brought the car in at 8:30a and it was finished at 2:30p. They also performed several routine service items. My total expenditure was $0.

I've been cross shopping the competition (Mercedes C Coupe and sedan, Audi A4, A5, and TT) to keep options open when my BMW lease expires next April. The dealership experience at the competitive dealers did not even come close to the level of professionalism and courtesy that was displayed by my BMW dealer when I was first looking at my 428xi two and a half years ago.

Needless to say, it is my BMW dealer's continued professionalism, graciousness, sense of humor, and unpretentious attitude that will keep me as a loyal BMW customer for many years to come.

Thanks for all of your helpful feedback too. It was really appreciated.

 

My armrest was replaced yesterday and was fully covered under warranty (see attached image).

The service department at my dealer was exemplary. When I initially brought the car in for them to look at it, they were apologetic and gracious. They placed the order for a new armrest immediately.

I was given a sparkling clean new metallic white 330xi with 300 miles on the clock as a loaner. I brought the car in at 8:30a and it was finished at 2:30p. They also performed several routine service items. My total expenditure was $0.

I've been cross shopping the competition (Mercedes C Coupe and sedan, Audi A4, A5, and TT) to keep options open when my BMW lease expires next April. The dealership experience at the competitive dealers did not even come close to the level of professionalism and courtesy that was displayed by my BMW dealer when I was first looking at my 428xi two and a half years ago.

Needless to say, it is my BMW dealer's continued professionalism, graciousness, sense of humor, and unpretentious attitude that will keep me as a loyal BMW customer for many years to come.

Thanks for all of your helpful feedback too. It was really appreciated.

That's terrific. I'm glad to hear your dealer took good care of you. I think these stories are more common than we hear.

 

Just to clarify please, is the center armrest actually leather? So many automobile references characterize leather interiors as "leather seating surfaces." Many steering wheel coverings are specified as leather. I had assumed the OP subject and other soft-touch surfaces on doors and dash are vinyl.

FTR, virtually all of my BMW sales and service experiences are exemplary.