I found my forum post from Jul 2006 on this matter...here it is:

"Go to http://www.benzworld.org/ and scroll down to R170, this is the SLK 230/320 models of our cars. This problem has been on going with the MB line for many years. There are several threads covering repairs, to include one from Hong Kong where MB recovered the console in leather! There is also information on touch up paint. Hope this helps."

Remember, this is from an old thread, so search accordingly if you go to the MB forum. I signed into this MB forum and became a member. The folks were extremely nice and answered a lot of questions for me.