I have exactly that problem right down to the temperature thing as well as what was described by Rezolution. David (Moss) seems to think it could be software (the dimming) but I am fairly convinced it's hardware.

I have also found that the knob control is very erratic when adjusting.
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Christian
#40104192 120Gb (no longer in my E36 M3, won't fit the E46 M3)