SMG sticks in cold weather?

[Beekbmwm3]

I went to start my car (E46 M3 SMG) this morning after the temp dropped here in STL to around 25 degrees overnight. I put the key in, put the car in neutral, and turned the key. The dashboard computer said I was in 1st gear and the car wouldn't start. I did this 3-4 times and got the same result. Finally, the computer said it was in neutral and my car started. This was the second time it has occurred, both on cold mornings.

Any thoughts or has anything similar happened to you??

Thanks
Brian