I have an E36 M3, and for some reason, the steering is loose to the right. The wheel is centered perfectly and the car doesn't pull, but when you turn it to the left it catches right away, but to the right, you have to turn it almost a quarter to the right before it'll catch. it's a trip to drive in the snow as if it slides i have to overcompesate. anyone know what may be going on? any help would be awesome! thanks guys.

Check the inner and outer tie rods first, the right side may have a problem. If they're tight, then your steering rack may have a worn gear internally. Aslo check the shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the rack, there may be a problem with the u-joint in the middle of it (the joint is in the engine compartment).

good chance its track rod ends

thanks guys, i'll look into that. i'm changing the calipers here real soon and this will be the perfect time while i'm in there! thank you

Check the inner and outer tie rods first, the right side may have a problem. If they're tight, then your steering rack may have a worn gear internally. Aslo check the shaft that goes from the steering wheel to the rack, there may be a problem with the u-joint in the middle of it (the joint is in the engine compartment).

if it's the steering rack, approx how much is this to fix?

From the dealer, the rack alone is going to be several hundred dollars. But I could only guess.