by While some automakers are moving towards simplifying repairs and convenience for owners, others seem to be quietly moving in the opposite direction. For example, Mercedes is trying to make headlight repairs easier by switching from glue to screws. Meanwhile, its main competitor is experimenting with a design feature that could significantly complicate do-it-yourself repairs.
Patenting Proprietary Screws
As reported by Autoblog, BMW has filed for patent registration drawings of screws with non-standard heads made in the shape of its own logo. Instead of traditional fasteners, the brand appears to be experimenting with proprietary designs inspired by its round logo with detailing into four quadrants.
The patent describes four different types of heads, including hex, flat, and rounded screws. Each one has a shape reminiscent of the BMW emblem, divided into four parts. Two sections are recessed, while the rest are either flat or convex, forming a figure that will likely require a special tool to work with.
Implications for Repairs and Reaction
At first glance, the branded screw heads look interesting, especially if used on visible parts of the interior or in the engine bay. But for mechanics or owners with standard toolkits, they look much less appealing. The unusual head pattern means common tools won’t be able to grip it, and anyone hoping to access key components may need special equipment from BMW.
It’s not hard to imagine the headache this could cause in workshops. Standard toolkits won’t work, and unless you’re a BMW dealer or a dedicated enthusiast, you’ll likely find yourself lacking the appropriate screwdriver for a full repair.
Internet Community Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the internet did not support this idea. Enthusiasts criticized it, seeing it as another obstacle for owners who prefer DIY maintenance.
Some users pointed out that aftermarket parts manufacturers will likely start producing compatible bits almost immediately. Several Reddit users even joked that knockoffs would appear on AliExpress and Temu before BMW’s screws make it onto an actual car, which, to be honest, makes the joke even funnier.
Future of the Patent and General Trend
Of course, whether these screws will ever go into mass production remains an open question for now. Automakers file numerous patents that never leave the drawing board. These specific designs were filed on June 7, 2024, and published on December 11, 2025. For now, they are just drawings.
However, regardless of whether BMW’s screws become a reality, there is a concern that automakers will continue to make cars more difficult to repair. After all, in the era of electrification and high technology, owners are already largely dependent on specialized service stations when something breaks.
Note: The introductory image is a rendering created based on patent drawings for illustrative purposes.
This story fits well into the modern discussion about the “right to repair,” which is gaining increasing weight worldwide. Many consumers and regulators are concerned that manufacturers are artificially restricting access to their technology, forcing owners to turn to official service centers, which often means higher costs. Similar patents, even if they remain only on paper, signal certain intentions of companies. At the same time, the market often finds its own ways to bypass restrictions, as has already happened with many other proprietary technologies when affordable alternatives from independent manufacturers appear.
