Yeah usually we hear stories of where the seat heater is burning people. It sounds like your heating element is dying. Read X5Dawg's post about replacing his element. If he was successful in installing his you may be able to do the same.

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2010 X5M /// R63 AMG...Wifey's 540HP Family Hualer

2001 X5 3.0i Sport 335,448 miles & counting...
SMG M3 Steering wheel
E46 Stainless Racing Headers
4.6is Exhaust
Turner Pulleys
Afe Intake
Brembo drilled rotors
PowerFlex Bushings
Hualingan
30mm H&R Spacers rear
20mm H&R Spacers front
Bavarian Autosport High-Performance Coils
Active Autowerke's Performance Software