BMW Proprietary Screws

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Diagram of screw patent

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 . Two days later the rest of the media followed suit.

[Company]'s response

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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."

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