BMW proprietary screws: Difference between revisions
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|Description=BMW has developed proprietary screws and is currently in the process of patenting these screws for its vehicles. | |Description=BMW has developed proprietary screws and is currently in the process of patenting these screws for its vehicles. | ||
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[[File:BMW Proprietary Screw.png|thumb|right|alt=|Diagram of screw patent]] | |||
In late 2025, [[BMW]] had its [https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=DE469242297 patent published] for a new kind of screw that removed the possibility to the end user to tighten or loosen it. | |||
==Background== | ==Background== | ||
BMW has patented a new type of fastener in the shape of the BMW roundel logo. [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools] | BMW has patented a new type of fastener in the shape of the BMW roundel logo. [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools] | ||
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==[Incident]== | ==[Incident]== | ||
BMW has filed a patent with [https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=DE469242297 WIPO] for a fastener concept that is engineered to make basic access for consumers next to impossible. The [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ design] uses a circular head split into four quadrants that mirror the BMW emblem's layout. The patent illustrates four different head types, including a socket, flat, and rounded variations, all sharing the same logo inspired geometry. The design relies on an unusual engagement with the tool. Two quadrants are recessed, while the remaining sections are either flat or raised. This design makes it impossible for the average consumer to have the ability to service their vehicles. According to the patent, the fasteners are intended for structural and semi-structural applications, such as seat mountings and on areas where the interior connects to the body of the vehicle. BMW's stated goal is to prevent tightening or loosening with common tools by unauthorized individuals. | BMW has filed a patent with [https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=DE469242297 WIPO] for a fastener concept that is engineered to make basic access for consumers next to impossible. The [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ design] uses a circular head split into four quadrants that mirror the BMW emblem's layout. The patent illustrates four different head types, including a socket, flat, and rounded variations, all sharing the same logo inspired geometry. The design relies on an unusual engagement with the tool. Two quadrants are recessed, while the remaining sections are either flat or raised. This design makes it impossible for the average consumer to have the ability to service their vehicles. According to the patent, the fasteners are intended for structural and semi-structural applications, such as seat mountings and on areas where the interior connects to the body of the vehicle. BMW's stated goal is to prevent tightening or loosening with common tools by unauthorized individuals. | ||
The incident was first reported on by CarBuzz on December 17th 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Evan |date=2025-12-17 |title=BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can Remove |url=https://carbuzz.com/bmw-roundel-logo-screw-patent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260317153952/https://carbuzz.com/bmw-roundel-logo-screw-patent/ |archive-date=2026-03-17 |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=CarBuzz}}</ref> . Two days later the rest of the media followed suit. | |||
===[Company]'s response=== | ===[Company]'s response=== | ||
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==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
On January 17, 2026, the YouTube channel BuildyBryce uploaded a short titled, [https://youtube.com/shorts/huR9Uo2XBK8?si=NgMWxKPTQ8sWPqiw Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing] in which the creator uses the patent to make a 3D printed model of both the patented fastener, and a tool that is compatible with the patented fastener. | On January 17, 2026, the YouTube channel BuildyBryce uploaded a short titled, [https://youtube.com/shorts/huR9Uo2XBK8?si=NgMWxKPTQ8sWPqiw Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing] in which the creator uses the patent to make a 3D printed model of both the patented fastener, and a tool that is compatible with the patented fastener. | ||
A writer on an iFixit blog post noted, "At first glance, it’s almost cute: a screw head shaped exactly like the BMW logo. But the novelty wears off the moment you consider the physics. [...] Broken bits, stripped screws, and more time spent on what would otherwise be a simple task."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mokhtari |first=Shahram |date=2026-02-04 |title=BMW’s Newest “Innovation” is a Logo-Shaped Middle Finger to Right to Repair |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/115528/bmws-newest-innovation-is-a-logo-shaped-middle-finger-to-right-to-repair |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218131847/https://www.ifixit.com/News/115528/bmws-newest-innovation-is-a-logo-shaped-middle-finger-to-right-to-repair |archive-date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=iFixit}}</ref> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
# [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools] | # [https://www.bmwblog.com/2025/12/30/bmw-roundel-screw-patent/ BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools] | ||
# '''[https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=DE469242297 DE102024115950 - Screw]''' | # '''[https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=DE469242297 DE102024115950 - Screw]''' | ||
# [https://youtube.com/shorts/huR9Uo2XBK8?si=nVi87-E4UOLMxosM Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing] | # [https://youtube.com/shorts/huR9Uo2XBK8?si=nVi87-E4UOLMxosM Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing] | ||
[[Category:BMW]] | |||
[[Category:2025 incidents]] | |||
Revision as of 14:26, 18 March 2026
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In late 2025, BMW had its patent published for a new kind of screw that removed the possibility to the end user to tighten or loosen it.
Background
BMW has patented a new type of fastener in the shape of the BMW roundel logo. BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools
[Incident]
BMW has filed a patent with WIPO for a fastener concept that is engineered to make basic access for consumers next to impossible. The design uses a circular head split into four quadrants that mirror the BMW emblem's layout. The patent illustrates four different head types, including a socket, flat, and rounded variations, all sharing the same logo inspired geometry. The design relies on an unusual engagement with the tool. Two quadrants are recessed, while the remaining sections are either flat or raised. This design makes it impossible for the average consumer to have the ability to service their vehicles. According to the patent, the fasteners are intended for structural and semi-structural applications, such as seat mountings and on areas where the interior connects to the body of the vehicle. BMW's stated goal is to prevent tightening or loosening with common tools by unauthorized individuals.
The incident was first reported on by CarBuzz on December 17th 2025[1] . Two days later the rest of the media followed suit.
[Company]'s response
Lawsuit
Consumer response
On January 17, 2026, the YouTube channel BuildyBryce uploaded a short titled, Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing in which the creator uses the patent to make a 3D printed model of both the patented fastener, and a tool that is compatible with the patented fastener.
A writer on an iFixit blog post noted, "At first glance, it’s almost cute: a screw head shaped exactly like the BMW logo. But the novelty wears off the moment you consider the physics. [...] Broken bits, stripped screws, and more time spent on what would otherwise be a simple task."[2]
References
- ↑ Williams, Evan (2025-12-17). "BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can Remove". CarBuzz. Archived from the original on 2026-03-17. Retrieved 2026-03-17.
- ↑ Mokhtari, Shahram (2026-02-04). "BMW's Newest "Innovation" is a Logo-Shaped Middle Finger to Right to Repair". iFixit. Archived from the original on 2026-02-18. Retrieved 2026-03-17.