SMG wouldn't go into gear...

[danp]

Went for a spin last night, car was driving fine but SMG gear indicator was flashing...

So... pulled into a dark layby (one apparently well known for dodgy nocturnal goings on) - thought I'd only be there a minute to reboot the car.

Rebooted, but car then refused to go into gear at all, the gear indicator just flashed. Tried a few times but no joy! Had visons of waiting hours for the AA, and then needing a new SMG pump/clutch or suchlike.



A little while later I had a brainwave, sure I had read that the bonnet sensors can cause SMG issues, so popped it open and closed it... and all was well!



So... worth bearing in mind if you ever experience similar, google would indicate it's quite a common thing with SMG on E46 M3's. Sounds like it's also worth having a spare "salmon relay"!