i ran a carfax on a bimmer that i am interested in buying and at the bottom it says If you are buying this vehicle from a private seller, check to be sure any associated lien on the vehicle has been paid off.

any help guys?

First ask the seller... then contact the DMV with the VIN, license, etc. The DMV knows if there is a lien, and the "owner" of the vehicle is for registration/insurance purposes.

the title always says if a car has a lien or not.