Front Seat Heater/cooler problems of the 2000 BMW 528

While driving I activated the drivers side seat heater. After a minute or two, I noticed a burning smell and then started to feel a burning sensation in my left side by my pant pocket. I reached towards the area and the leather seat material was extremely hot and appeared to be scorching the leather seat material. I immediately turned off the seat heater and will not use it again until it is repaired. This same scenario happened almost five years ago to the same vehicle. The defective part was replaced by my dealer service department. The part apparently fails after an average of five years. This is a safety hazard as one could get burned while driving and not know what to do which could result in a serious crash or fire.

Noticed a burning smell in the last few days and determined that it is only there when the seat heater is on. There is an odor that can best be described as the smell from an overheated hair dryer. It is obvious something in the seat is overheating and could be a potential safety hazard. I also noticed very hot areas on the seat near the left side where my left rear pant pocket would rest. Nhtsa campaign #04v575000 addresses this issue on model year 2004 BMW 5 series cars, but mine is a 2000.