Thanks for describing the location, Stevebfl.

I just pulled the fusebox cover and pulled everything out of the fuse box that was not a european fuse. The seats still worked, and the lights stayed on. I must be looking in the wrong place! In my fuse box there are 5 silver relays (they look like standard bosch 30amp relays with a fancy cover); there is a large box labeled "Hella" with three molex connecters plugged into it at the upper righthand corner of the fusebox; there is yet another large black box (1" X 4-5"); and lastly there is a small box that looks like a standard fuse holder (I was assuming that was the diode) however when I pulled it out the seats still worked, and the panel lights remained on. (the key was out of the car at the time)

Sorry if I am not looking at the right part.

There is also some kind of electrical device situated to the left of the battery (right if you are looking at it from the front of the car) that is placed between the firewall and the silver heat blanket that appears to remain running with the key out of the car, it sounds as though some sort of electrical motor is running. I dont know what this device is, what it is supposed to do, and if should be running with the key out of the car.

Again, I am beyond perplexed with this problem. All of you help is greatly appreciated and I look forward to your responses. Thanks, everyone.