Car interior not heating

Hi everyone! I have a '97 316i with dual zone digital climate control, and it not giving me warm air in the first 30-35 minutes of driving. Thermostat is good, engine temp settles in the middle in the first 5-10 minutes, and the hose towards the heater core is hot, until the control valve. The valve itself was changed not so long ago by the previous owner, so I doubt its a mechanical issue. Someone suggested to check if the valve itself gets the opening signal from the CC. Has anyone ever experienced a similar issue? Any tips on how to fix it?

https://preview.redd.it/2x0s9tk3v9ge1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c71a7e7d6e20c970e46d83d4475f792c0767de2