I have a 1996 850 that makes a strange whining noise only on cold starts. After the engine has warmed up it disappears. Its coming from the front of the engine - which is to say that its in the belt-drive area or passenger side of the car. It sounds strangely like a bad power steering pump but not quite. Its not very loud. Could it be the water pump? I'm due for a timing belt replacement soon though. Thanks in advance for any help.

put the heated seats on for your wife first?

I have the same thing in my 1993 some times when very cold. I've been told that it's common on these cars, something about the grease thats used in one of the pulleys, takes awhile for it to warm up and flow. I'm not sure exactly where though, tensioner, alternator, something in that area. Never bothered to dig further, it goes away quickly after I start it.

You're gonna have to get a stethoscope or a hose and figure out where it is. There is belt tension pulley, idler pulley, water pump, timing belt tensioner etc.