BMW Repair: SMG transmission gear indicator blinks, torx screwdriver, gear indicator

Question
Hi

When I shift into gear with my SMG in an 02 M3 the gear indicator in the dash always blinks.  It never goes to a solid number in the gear indicator.  After driving for a few minutes it will sometimes drop into neutral.  Also hear the door ajar jingle after a few minutes in gear.  Any ideas.  

Answer
Hello David,
When the gear indicator blinks and the car does not move of course you already know that the hood is open or at least the hood switch is saying that the hood is open.
But when the car moves but the gear indicator still blinks
either the parking brake position switch is saying that the brake is on, or the door position switch is saying that the door is open. In your case, since you hear the door chime, then it is a door position problem, usually of the driver's door.
If the driver's door is securely closed but this still happens, then check the door lock striker (the part of the door lock that is in the door frame not in the door). See if it is not loose or has moved too far back or inward in such a way that the built-in position switch does not see that the door is locked. If it is in proper place or you have tried to adjust it and it still does not correct the problem, then replace the door lock striker.
It is a very easy thing to do, you just need a torx screwdriver.
Tino