[BlackHawkRacing]

Kind of a random question for the group.

This last July, I started a new job and when visiting the main office for our monthly staff meeting, I immediately noticed another E36 M3 in the parking lot. When I got closer to it that first day, it was apparent that the car had been sitting for a bit. Didn't think much of it at the time, just an extended business trip etc. Well, I was there again today for the 9th time in 9 months and the car has yet to move. I went up to inspect the car a bit more today and the car registration last expired over two years ago.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I could track the owner down? Want to see if he would sell it for super cheap considering it's pretty abandoned at this point. I'm considering submitting a request for information to the DMV (MV-15 in NYS) but have a feeling they won't be sending much information.

Anyone have experience in a similar situation?

[betrezra]

I grew up with a buddy in highschool who's father was in law enforcement..... he was int in a car...... and had his dad run the plates. This was in LA 30 yrs ago....... probably not able to do this today w/o a good reason.......

GL.

[j0rdan J]

Who owns the parking lot?
If it is your work place, give them the plate number and see if they can help.
Alternatively ask the owner of the parking lot to lien sale you the car (of course you would have to get keys made, and have unknown history on the car if you go this route)

[TomS2]

Run a Carfax on the plate. Then you will know if the registered owner is local.

See if the company has info on cars in the lot. When I worked for a fortune 200 I had to tell security that I had more than one car, and every time I took the roadster in I made sure to tell security it was there. They had one plate on file, and that car had a parking sticker in the windshield.

You also could leave a note under the wiper and wait for a response.

[abcurran]

Simple answer: Title abstract. Go to DMV with plate, registration, VIN, or any identifying information you can find. Ask for a title abstract form. Fill it out and for $10 they should give you owner or record.

Complicated Answer: Similar to what was mentioned above, but I think you need a mechanic's or garageman's lien. Owner of the parking lot has to lien the car, file appropriate notices, foreclose the lien, advertise appropriate sales notices, then you could purchase at the foreclosure sale. However, I doubt the parking lot/business owner would satisfy the type of entity that could make use of that statute, though. Think it has to be a merchant in the business of towing, repairing, storing vehicles, but there's probably a way around it.

You'll want a lawyer, and if so, I can help.

[BlackHawkRacing]

Originally Posted by betrezra

I grew up with a buddy in highschool who's father was in law enforcement..... he was int in a car...... and had his dad run the plates. This was in LA 30 yrs ago....... probably not able to do this today w/o a good reason.......

GL.

The good ol'days. If only.

Originally Posted by TomS2

Run a Carfax on the plate. Then you will know if the registered owner is local.

See if the company has info on cars in the lot. When I worked for a fortune 200 I had to tell security that I had more than one car, and every time I took the roadster in I made sure to tell security it was there. They had one plate on file, and that car had a parking sticker in the windshield.

You also could leave a note under the wiper and wait for a response.

Left three notes over the last few months to no avil. Good idea on security, we only have to buzz our pass to get in but if the car has been there for that long someone has to know who's it is.

Had a carfax run last night and the last registration matches the train station parking permit on the rear view. Gonna try to give the town/parking people a call as well.

Originally Posted by abcurran

Simple answer: Title abstract. Go to DMV with plate, registration, VIN, or any identifying information you can find. Ask for a title abstract form. Fill it out and for $10 they should give you owner or record.

Complicated Answer: Similar to what was mentioned above, but I think you need a mechanic's or garageman's lien. Owner of the parking lot has to lien the car, file appropriate notices, foreclose the lien, advertise appropriate sales notices, then you could purchase at the foreclosure sale. However, I doubt the parking lot/business owner would satisfy the type of entity that could make use of that statute, though. Think it has to be a merchant in the business of towing, repairing, storing vehicles, but there's probably a way around it.

You'll want a lawyer, and if so, I can help.

Yeah I don't think work will follow through on the lien side of it. Have you ever filed a Title Abstract request? That was my initial idea but unsure if the DMV will actually send me anything.

Here is the form, https://dmv.ny.gov/forms/mv15.pdf any suggestions on which boxes to check on page 4?

[cblock]

I'd say box 14 I'd think.

[BlackHawkRacing]

Small update - Called the town listed on the parking pass hanging from the rear view mirror, lady was more than happy to help me.... Only issue is the pass number has 4 digits and their pass only uses 3 digits. The plot thickens.

Filed the DMV record request and am giving security at work a call later today. We will see what happens.

[egebhardt]

You'll eventually do society a favor by getting this car into your possession. Abandoned cars are an eyesore to everyone. Keep at it!

[betrezra]

Make sure these is nobody in it .......{{{too much CSI... I know}}}