New Z3 owner! Very happy, some work to do.

[Ghostray66]

Just bought my 98 2.8L and drove her 30 hours cross country to get home. Great roadtrip with my teenage son!

One known issue that I could use a little advice on>

On colder mornings when I start her up, she wines a bit, its the steering gear valve I think. after a quick warmup, couple of turns of the wheel (more whining) the noise goes away and its fine on the road.

First is this common, and is there anything simple that I might try?
Second, I see some BMW OEM units out there for not too much cash, but not sure which part number I need to get the right steering rate for the Z3. Please help.... I see a few for E36 cars but a little research suggest the Z3 unit should turn quicker.

thanks from the nubbie.

[blairrm]

Welcome

I've not heard of that issue before.

check reaoloem.com for part numbers.

I guess you have checked the fluid level ?

[Bmwcat]

Welcome from another Newbie!! I have a "new" 98 2.8L Roadster as well. I have not heard any weird noises, except from the driver. :eek:
The folks here are very helpful, good luck.

[postalZ3]

:hi: Welcome

[KraigG]

Sure it's not a loose belt? That sometimes causes whining noises from the PS unit. Also, I figured that since you drove your car 30 hours, you must have gotten it close to the West coast, where they use a different weight lubricant in many of your pumps. Try changing some fluids.