Factory interior lighting timed delay?

[reelizmpro]

When I was reading the BMW build specs on the 771 M technic package I noticed something about having a timed interior light delay. I didn't pay much attention to it until I installed my LED strips in the footwells. In my M3's, when I close the door, the lights turn off immediately. I want to say this is typical of all E30's but in the M Technic convertible, it stays on for 3-5 seconds after the door is closed before turning off. I'm wondering if this is exclusive to the 771 package or just a late model feature. Maybe someone with the 770 appearance package can chime in with their experience.

EDIT: it appears it's only part of the 771 package.

Included in option 771:
- M Technic II aerodynamics package without rear spoiler
- BMW M Technic door sill plates
- BMW M Technic badges on the grill and trunk lid
- Alloy Wheels Cross spoke 15x7
- Delayed dimming of interior lighting
- Lining the inside of the trunk lid
- Leather steering wheel with airbag
- Shifter knob and boot in leather (selector lever in leather on the automatic)

[quikveedb2]

Here's this;

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87927

[reelizmpro]

What he is saying is his car came with this time delayed relay but it didn't work because of a failed microswitch and here is the fix. Interesting.

[JasonC]

My 85 e and 87 es stayed on about 5-10sec after I closed the door. My 92 vert does also. But reading on George Graves light dimmer mod. He stated that in 92 they did away with the relay.

[reelizmpro]

Hmmmm I'm curious why they highlighted..."Delayed dimming of interior lighting." Sort of implies that it wasn't standard.

[quikveedb2]

What he is saying is his car came with this time delayed relay but it didn't work because of a failed microswitch and here is the fix. Interesting.

Yep!

My '87 325is came equipped as such, but the micro-switch had failed.

[nando]

mine has the delay

[gearheadE30]

my 318is doesn't have it for whatever that's worth

[Aluke123]

Mine doesn't have it either. '90 325i

[ELVA164]

My '87 325i has it. Maybe it was an option on the M3s? Weight savings?

[mikeedler]

Is it the "comfort relais" that were talking about here. I have never seen a light that stays on longer in any euro car, but they all have a relay to where the window switches will work with no ignition on as long as the doors are open.

[Thizzelle]

my mtech has it and my friends 91 325i vert has it. I also made slow dimming ones for my other cars, very simple if you know electronics

[e30rapidic]

my 87 cabrio does it

[reelizmpro]

Thanks for the feedback. The feature seems so minor that I can't believe they didn't include it on all cars. Strange that they would even highlight it as a feature unless it was rare, which doesnt seem to be the case.