I have a '98 GTI VR6.
Today, about 4 hours into a drive (windy country roads at 40 to 80 mph, if that would make a difference), I suddenly saw a puff of smoke come out of the steering wheel, just behind the wheel where the wheel, signal and wiper sticks and the emergency lights come together. It was just one puff, white, looked like what comes out of the burning end of cigarettes. It did not have a particular smell. Nothing in the area felt hot just after, and neither there was a smell of something burning. I immediately stopped to investigate, and went on my way after seeing or smelling nothing burning. About 30 minutes later, it happened again, the same thing. Then I drove about 4 more hours without any more smoke.
At first I thought it looked like what happens when electrical capacitors blow up, but those usually have a yellow tinge.
Would anybody have any idea what this might be?
Rex