I have a 2006 Mini. I just had the heater core changed which was leaking near my foot. I have noticed now that it stays really hot near my leg. The panel is too hot to even keep your hand on for for that a few seconds. I thought that the heater core should only be hot if the heater is turned on. Does anybody know if this is not correct?

 

correct maybe they disconnected the control and didn't reconnect it

 

Can you give an update on your issue? Was it resolved and how?
Thanks!