Similar experience to Rounderman.
I had 6 months left on my lease and decided to keep the car. Very low mileage, one more free service and another year and a half of factory warranty remained. Just as with Rounderman, BMWFS referred me to their captive lender -- as I recall they transferred my phone call directly to the lender -- and, just as Rounderman did, I decided not to do a loan and simply stroked a check to BMWFS and didn't have to make those last 6 lease payments. They emailed me the required forms and a checklist. I paid the small fee for BMWFS to FedEx me the title and in a blink it was done. I sent a personal check so it took an extra few days for it all to clear before BMWFS would send the title.
Here in California the sales tax (use tax, officially) is paid by the pink slip holder, so I took the title BMWFS sent me to the local auto club office, paid the tax there, and the auto club processed the paperwork with the DMV. When the annual DMV renewal came due this past October, only my name was on the registration -- no BMWFS.
And I sprayed some New Car Smell stuff into the car so the only thing I'm missing is a lease payment!! But I'm adjusting quickly. Though not shelling out that tri-annual Lease Acquisition Fee felt a little strange. Maybe I'll spend the $925 acquisition fee savings on a little Merry Christmas to ME!
Looking forward to learning how it goes for Bear-avhistory.