Family friend abandoned this E34 a decade ago, left the country, and I want it

[Dr. Dre]

A friend of the family left a e34 5 series at my brothers house. It's been more than 10 years. The owner no longer lives in the states. He might not even be able to come back. I called him about a year ago and offered $600 to take it off his hands. He declined, but here is the cool part.

He told me that it was a regular e34 5 series but it has rebuilt e34 M5 engine that he spared no expense on. Again, I don't think he can come back to this country.

My question is how can I legally take possession of this car? It's been parked at my brother house for 10 years. Can my brother do a lien sale? What are my options?

My brother could care less. He's ready to have it towed to a junk yard for scrap.

[Joekerr]

Why don't you just have your brother contact the guy and tell him he wants it gone by X date?

Then contact him again and give him an offer again.

[EnVe46]

Its based off state statute. There are time lines on how long someone can leave an object on someone else property before it can be legally taken by landowners. Look it up for your state. If you want to stick it to the guy give him a date to hhave it removed or you will file paperwork to take possession.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by EnVe46

Its based off state statute. There are time lines on how long someone can leave an object on someone else property before it can be legally taken by landowners. Look it up for your state. If you want to stick it to the guy give him a date to hhave it removed or you will file paperwork to take possession.

This. Most states have a laws regarding "Abandoned Property".

[RickFLM4]

Why can't he come back to the country? That sounds like it might be at least as interesting as the car.

[XCRN]

What are the specifics of that E34? I love these old 5 Series! I am currently LS swapping a 95 525i.

Like they said alot varies by state or county but in my experience in OH it had to go through a towing company and go through auction even if its on your property. Im thinking stolen cars are a problem here and get abandoned all the time.

[Darth One]

did he leave the keys? if so i'm not seeing a problem

[Mingwan]

So you low balled him and he said no, but he’s been gone for about ten years and most likely won’t be coming back. What’s he plan on doing with the car then?

[TeinBMW]

Just take it man..drive it around and if he comes back just give it to him. How do you know the car even runs? Do you have keys for it?

[smoosh]

Good Lord, some of you need to expand your horizons a bit.

Just take it...? And drive it around without registration? If he gets pulled over, want to guess what happens then...?

Contact an attorney and they will guide you. Small price to pay for a bigger reward.

Do NOT drive it around like an imbecile as is currently.