What's up with the shifter light?

[prajna]

We just bought an 01 325 sportwagon, and are still trying to understand it.

When we park the car, the gear shift indicator light stays on. For as long as I can tell 15 minutes, if the car isn't locked. If it's locked it goes out.

Why is it like this?

 

[prajna]

That shifter light

Yep, it stays on all night long. Does everyone's do this?

 

[MMLJTIGER]

shifter light

It takes your car takes time to fall "asleep"
This is a normal occurrence in these newer cars.
The computer shuts down most/all of its systems to preserve battery strength.
This happens after 16-18 minutes the last electrical demand (opening a door, closing the trunk).