Automatic lights/dashboard dimming problem

Hi,

I'm experiencing problems with my headlight settings. Normally, I leave my headlight setting to automatic on my 2002 BMW X5. I also leave the dashboard lights set to the dimmest level possible. Lately, I noticed that when the head lights come on at night, the interior dashboard lights are brighter than normal. When I toggle the headlight switch from automatic to manual "on," the interior lights dim to the desired level. When I toggle it back to automatic, it's dimmer but not as dim as when the headlights are set to manual.

Does anyone have any thoughts as to what could be causing this and how to fit it? Thanks for your help.