Starter noise?
 

I have a weird noise upon start up. It doesn't happen every time....maybe 10% of all starts. Kinda sounds like the starter is hanging up. Has anybody had this issue? What else could it be?

I had this happen many moons ago on an American V8 engine.
it sounded very loud and screaming when just a little bit of throttle was pushed.
Might you put more detail on what it sounds like?

What exactly does it sound like? If it's a loud, brief squeal, it's probably your starter bendix. I had the same issue myself which resulted in a quick cleaning/re-greasing. Very cheap if not D.I.Y.
Do you have a sound clip?

If it's a sort of clacky, chainy sort of noise it might well be your starter motor sticking, but it might be caused by a faulty ignition barrel which is keeping the thin engaged even after you release it. I have had this problem myself.

I have a rattle on cold starts, but when the engine is warm it sounds normal. The rattle only happens for maybe a second or two. Two other local early model Boxsters make the same noise when cold.

yes, it's a brief squeal. i'm taking her in to ******************************** Bavaria for an oil change tomorrow. i'll see if it happens for them. i did have an audio clip of it but my phone is acting weird and i lost the file. i'll try to get another recording and post it for your review. it really sounds like the starter is hanging up....just like an old suburban i used to own.

Bad starter sounds like a high pitched horse at the moment or split second after start up.

mine only does it once every couple months. not worth dropping any cash on it yet.

yeah, talked to the guys at ******************************** Bavaria and they suspect the starter. just going to let it go for now.

I've had that sound too every now and then.

Its the starter bushing showing signs of wear or lack of lubrication.

Some lube should quiet it down and reduce wear rate. Probably get another year out of it or more if its not too badly worn.

Common noise
 

Hi I have a quite loud squeal when starting the engine. It happens every third start or more.

I have read it every where-and believe its a common Boxster 'feature' :)

I would nicely suggest to fix it now before it simply stops working. Ask me how I know. :D