If the manufacturer holds the title, then you can work with the manufacturer directly. Don't give him the money, send it to the manu. on his behalf. Now in order for the title to be put in your name, the original owner must sign off on it, unless you get a POA and he signs his rights over to you. Dealers do the same thing. I work for a manufacturer so I am real familiar with this process. If you have any questions PM me Edit to add: I saw you asking about the lien holder sending the title to you. I know BMW will only send the title to the name on the account, and from there the original owner would have it notarized, and sign it over to you, then give it to you. If you want the title to go directly to you from the manufacturer, you need a POA, and that is how BMW can send titles to dealers, because the original owner signs off on the title with the POA.