[hpservertech]

I dont know what it's like in CA, but in MO (before 07), the original owner was 100% responsible for the car until the new owner registered it/transfered the title. Now you have to send a letter to the DMV, but I know lots of people who are clueless about that requirement. My dad had sold a car many years ago. new owner never registered it. he was stuck with the personal property tax bill for a few years till he took it to court.

I think he was just trying to get rid of the car. most likely knew it wouldn't pass smog and is now selling the parts you need on Craigslist or Ebay. If there were any yards around here that I knew had bmw's I would see if I could find you the parts you needed, but there aren't.