Metallic screech on cold start

[Siphiro]

I'm looking into getting my first e30. It's a 1989 325e.

I showed up for a test drive. The car looked ok minus a few common issues. However, when I started for the car for the first time I heard an EXTREMELY loud metallic screeching sound that lasted as long as I was trying to start the car.

*Edit, to be clear: It did not sound like a worn belt. It was much louder and only occurred while the key was in the "start" position.*

I turned off the car, tried again, and it fired up with no problems or sounds what-so-ever.

Any idea what this is? If so, how immediately would this need to be fixed? And any estimates on the cost of fixing it?

[Dj Buttchug]

starter?

[jalopi]

if it was a screech and not a 'violent grind' I'd still go with a belt... though there is a possibility that a pulley is partially locking up or something

[Siphiro]

It sounded like two pieces of metal scraping against each other at high speeds. It wasn't a squeal like I usually hear belts making. But it was very high pitched without the grittiness of what I would call grinding.