[jmg]

Lease transfers depend on the lender. BMWFS is the lender for BMWs and they make it very easy. A $500 fee and you're off to the races. I've taken over a BMW lease and it took about 3-4 weeks at the most. Paperwork was actually very easy, it's the waiting for DMV to process the paperwork before you actually hand the car over that takes time. I know people who have been turned down because of their debt/income ratio, so it's not as easy to qualify, but I haven't had any problems.

BMWFS washes the original owner's hands of any and all liability once the lease is transferred. The new owner is responsible for any and all non-warranty covered claims on the car including wear and tear for lease return and missing equipment. So if the original owner got an upgraded wheel but swapped them out to a cheaper standard wheel and didn't give you the original, you are going to buy a new set of upgraded wheels. MSDs are returned to the NEW lease holder, so most people ask for the MSDs to be paid by the new leaser.

Other banks keep the original owner liable if the new owner is delinquent.

Some banks don't allow lease transfers at all.