BMW Has Created a Screw That Prevents You From Making Your Own Repairs | Carscoops

      A recent patent by BMW suggests screws designed to resemble the brand’s logo, prompting concerns about accessibility and aftermarket service.

      BMW has patented screw heads shaped like its emblem.

      These new screws may limit access to standard fasteners.

      Online reactions have ridiculed the concept and anticipated potential workarounds.

      While some car manufacturers are striving for easier repairs and owner-friendly modifications, others appear to be moving in the opposite direction. For example, Mercedes is simplifying headlight repairs by replacing glue with screws. In contrast, its main competitor is experimenting with a design feature that could complicate DIY repairs.

      According to Autoblog, BMW has filed patent drawings for custom screw heads inspired by its logo. Rather than employing conventional fasteners, the company seems to be exploring unique designs modeled after its roundel emblem, featuring quadrant details.

      The patent describes four different types of screw heads: socket, flat, and rounded styles. Each is designed to resemble the BMW emblem, divided into four quadrants, where two sections are recessed while the others are either flat or raised, suggesting the need for specialized tools.

      ### Custom Screws and Logo Design

      At first glance, these branded screw heads appear intriguing, particularly for visible areas of the interior or engine compartment. However, for mechanics or owners with standard toolsets, they are far less appealing. The unconventional screw patterns mean standard tools may not fit properly, and anyone attempting to access crucial components might require BMW-specific tools.

      It’s easy to foresee the problems this could create in garages. Typical toolsets won’t suffice, and unless you’re a BMW dealer or an avid enthusiast, chances are you’ll be missing a screwdriver necessary for a complete repair.

      ### Who Has the Right Bit?

      Unsurprisingly, the online community has reacted negatively to the concept. Car enthusiasts criticized it as yet another hurdle for those who prefer to undertake their own maintenance.

      Some noted that third-party suppliers would likely produce compatible bits swiftly. A few Reddit users humorously remarked that imitation products might appear on platforms like AliExpress and Temu before BMW’s screws are even released, adding to the humor of the situation.

      Of course, whether these screws will ever reach production remains uncertain. Automakers file numerous patents that never transition beyond the initial concept stage. These particular designs were submitted on June 7, 2024, and publicly disclosed on December 11, 2025. For now, they remain just concepts.

      Regardless of whether BMW’s screws come to fruition, there is apprehension that manufacturers will continue to make vehicles more challenging to repair. In an age of electrification and advanced technology, owners are already heavily dependent on specialized service centers whenever issues arise.

      Note: The initial image is a rendering based on the patent drawings, created solely for illustrative purposes.