Over the past decade, right-to-repair and ease of servicing have become major issues for consumers. Companies like Amazon-backed Slate are actively improving repairability, designing vehicles for simplicity and training thousands of local shops to handle maintenance rather than restricting service to in-house centers.
BMW, however, appears to be heading in the opposite direction, pursuing a strategy that has serious drawbacks alongside one potential benefit.
A patent recently spotted in the World Intellectual Property Organization database shows BMW exploring a custom screw head design that mirrors the brand’s logo. On the surface, it’s a clever way to reinforce brand identity deep within a vehicle’s build. The problem arises in execution: the patent envisions these screws being serviceable only with a limited set of authorized tools.
“The shape of the engagement recesses prevents the screw from being loosened or tightened using common counter-drive structures,” the patent states.
In practice, this means that unless you have the exact BMW tool sold through official service outlets, or select partner brands, you won’t be able to remove or tighten these screws yourself, making repairs far less DIY-friendly and potentially costly.
Of course, patents do not always translate into production, and BMW files hundreds of them like other automakers and electronics companies. It’s possible this particular screw design never reaches vehicles, or is still several years away from implementation.
But the rationale is clear: BMW is aiming to prevent unauthorized tampering with vehicle components, protecting against theft or forced entry. The patent notes that these screws could secure parts like consoles and seats, but the technology could be applied elsewhere in the car.
Real-world examples underscore the need for anti-theft measures. Police departments in Queensland, Australia, and Houston, Texas, have recommended or provided specialized screws to prevent license plate theft, highlighting the practical appeal of proprietary fasteners. BMW’s concept builds on that logic, promising a more secure approach to vehicle assembly.
The downside, however, is the same one that has plagued the broader automotive and consumer electronics industries. Restricting access to repair tools has repeatedly drawn regulatory scrutiny. In 2022, India’s Competition Commission criticized Nissan and Skoda for limiting access to parts, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has long flagged such practices as right-to-repair issues.
Even after some agreements between consumer advocates and automakers in 2023, restrictions on service tools remain controversial. BMW’s proposed custom screw heads could become the latest headache for car owners, potentially making even minor repairs difficult and expensive.
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