BMW proprietary screws

❗Article Status Notice: This Article is a stub

---

This article is underdeveloped, and needs additional work to meet the wiki's Content Guidelines and be in line with our Mission Statement for comprehensive coverage of consumer protection issues. Learn more ▼

Issues may include:

• This article needs to be expanded to provide meaningful information
• This article requires additional verifiable evidence to demonstrate systemic impact
• More documentation is needed to establish how this reflects broader consumer protection concerns
• The connection between individual incidents and company-wide practices needs to be better established
• The article is simply too short, and lacks sufficient content

How you can help:

• Add documented examples with verifiable sources
• Provide evidence of similar incidents affecting other consumers
• Include relevant company policies or communications that demonstrate systemic practices
• Link to credible reporting that covers these issues
• Flesh out the article with relevant information

This notice will be removed once the article is sufficiently developed. Once you believe the article is ready to have its notice removed, please visit the Moderator's noticeboard, or the Discord (join here) and post to the #appeals channel, or mention its status on the article's talk page.

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.

[Company]'s response

If applicable, add the proposed solution to the issues by the company.

---

Add your text below this box. Once this section is complete, delete this box by clicking on it and pressing backspace.

Lawsuit

If applicable, add any information regarding litigation around the incident here.

Claims

Main claims of the suit.

Rebuttal

The response of the company or counterclaims.

Outcome

The outcome of the suit, if any.

---

Add your text below this box. Once this section is complete, delete this box by clicking on it and pressing backspace.

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.

References

1. BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools
2. DE102024115950 - Screw
3. Hacking BMW's patented bolt with 3D printing

Add a category with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.

The "Incidents" category is not needed.

---

Add your text below this box. Once this section is complete, delete this box by clicking on it and pressing backspace.