Okay, I have a 83' 528i and there is no heat coming out of the middle vents, like on the center console and sides. Heat comes out of the window vents and floor vents, just not the middle. I heard this is a common problem in e28's, I am hoping its only a stuck butterfly type valve, thinking its the heater valve though. A $240 part I don't want to buy. Any help much appreciated.

If you are getting heat from the floor vents I'd suspect something other than the valve. Other than a stuck duct door I don't know what the problem might be.

its definitely a stuck door...real pain in the butt, have to take everything apart and inspect...did this with my first e24...its an 8 beer job...

The heat will only come out of the top (defrost) and lower vents. It is not designed for heat to come out of the middle vents. The middle vents are for fresh air and a/c only. If you want heat, close the middle vent. Also, if you want a/c, close the middle vent.

Now, if you are not getting any or much warm air with the heater control set all the way to warm then you probably need to rebuild or replace your heater valve assembly which is in the engine compartment up against the fire wall.

BTW, a heater valve rebuild kit is less than $20.

HTH

Thanks for the tips guys. The middle vents can blow heat on my 318i, so the 8 beer job would do the trick, I hope. It's survivable 'till spring no way am I doing that in our canadian winter, (would require 8 beers and some rye whiskey). The heat that does come out is okay, could use a sprucin' though, the heater valve did look deceptively easy to work on with lots of space. Thanks e28boy, I'll go source this rebuild kit. I should also mention the heater core sprung a leak 2 weeks ago and I fixed with some add in goup, which I hear is only temporary until it gets clogged partially/fully. So I am not happy about this, 23 year old car is gonna do that I suppose. Then its the camshaft, the p/spump, the this, the that. Anyone agree for the cost to keep these puppies on the road we could almost get a new bmw? (saw a nice 325 for $40k new.

Other than possible issues with the heater core, that you've already addressed. Your HVAC is working as intended. If the heat only feels warm while idling.. it's time to replace that heater solenoid valve. As stated.. $20 bucks and 20 minutes worth of work - just be sure to clamp off the coolant hoses to minimize spills, and you're good to go.