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What causes this to light up?

Its always a little lit in my car, sometimes brighter than others

What is it looking at?

Mine does the same thing, it dims with increased engine RPM's. Not sure what it means, I don't drive the car enough to really care at this point.

Where/what is the 'general' light?

Can you show us from the dash on the http://e12.de website which one you mean?

Find, buy an owner's manual.

1979 - 1981 version shows red light in upper left corner of the instrument box, white circle with dashes around sides. Illuminated : Check brake pads, sensors.

All other dash indicator lights use simple icons that are easily translated.

I think he means the generator light. Mine changes with engine speed.