It's tax refund time... for some people, it means more money in the bank. For others, it's play money. For me (and my wife) it means time to pay of some debt and get the car fixed....
With that said, I have a '98 ti... only owner. I gotta noise going on for about 5 minutes or so on cold starts when it's below 60 degrees outside. Gets a little louder on left steering during those 5 minutes... after the 5 min. it goes away. Also rarely, there is sometimes a noise (vibrating/whining) accompanying the first noise from under the auto. shifter. Doesn't go away if I hit or push the plastic panel around shifter (even if I hit it hard
).... this noise also can get louder when turning left.
My plan is to bring it to the shop soon (God willing the money rolls in soon from the Man
), though I'm concerned the real problem won't get fixed. And that when I take it to the shop, I'll be bombarded with a bunch of things I "need" to get done, but then when all is said and done I'll drive away with the same problem again. Which is why I need YOUR HELP!!!!... at least in finding all the possible problems, so that I can present them to the shop. (Hopefully reducing labor time if I'm correct in thinking this). I've exhausted the forum archives... and done some homework. And this is what I have:
1) Front bushings or joints (not sure if they're the same thing, but these have never been replaced on my car yet)
2) Engine Mounts (I've had this checked out before, the shop said one is bad and needs replacing... put it off then... will hopefully be able to afford it soon enough)
3) A "Trombone" type tubing that leaks (Read this in the forum on another person's thread... the noise symptoms sounded the same as mine, the only reason I'm considering this. I have yet to find out what this hose is though). I have had a different similar problem but it was a squeking noise(not whining/grinding), and when I took it to the shop, they said it was a leak and fixed it.
4)This last problem(s) is not one I've found on 318ti.org, but on the "28 point courtesy check" that my particular shop does (even for just an oil change). They list what things are recommended to be done and keep record of it, so when you go back again and again things start to pile up. So far I've got these on my (shop's) *TO DO* list- Suspension Front: R & L Lower ball joints on there (128.34 each including labor I think).... Brake Hydraulic System: Flush.... , Axle Shaft or U-Joints: "starting to crack", and lastly under Transmission Leaks: "rear seal damp". Are any of these the culpret to my noise problem?
Please understand that I DOOOOO LOOOOVE my car, and want everything to be fixed and nice, but money is tight as my wife is in school (private college for that matter), college debts (I'm 25, just got out 2 yrs. ago), and just got married (last summer). But right now, as the refund comes in it's what only really needs to get fixed on the ti, not all the *wants*
... so please help me out... A THOROUGH explanation of what could be the problem, why, and what should be done to my car (relating the my original stated problem or not) IS HIGHLY WELCOMED. Please help me with some wisdom in being a good steward with my car, and money.
Need Help! Don't want to get vultured at shop! 
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