re: HOT E28

[Ray Kaupp <rkaupp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tony-

Not sure what's going on with the steering column, but the heat from the 
vent is probably a leaking heater control valve. Its on the firewall, with 
a hose in, hose out, and electical connection. It opens when the system 
calls for heat in the cabin (the temp control) and closes when its warm 
enough. The rubber sealing parts inside this valve rot over time. Easy 
diagnose, easy fix. clamp the hoses with vice grips or something, and 
disconnect them and the electrical connector. Take the top off the valve 
and pull out the guts. If the rubber part inside is torn or messed up, buy 
a new "guts" from the dealer for $35, put the whole thing back together, 
and you're there. (They may try to sell you the whole valve for $90, but 
the housing and electromagnet seem not to fail.)

Good luck!

Ray Kaupp
'85 535i 205K miles, bone stock

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