- BMW patented screw heads shaped like its emblem design.
- New screws may restrict access to common fasteners.
- The internet mocked the idea and predicted workarounds.
While some automakers are leaning into easier repairs and owner-friendly tweaks, others seem to be quietly heading in the opposite direction. Mercedes, for instance, is aiming to make headlight repairs less of a hassle by switching from glue to screws. Meanwhile, its biggest rival is experimenting with a design quirk that could make DIY fixes a whole lot more complicated.
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In what feels like a particularly German brand of fastidiousness, as Autoblog reported, BMW has filed a set of patent drawings featuring custom screw heads modeled after its own logo. Rather than using traditional fasteners, the brand appears to be toying with proprietary designs that borrow from its roundel motif, complete with quadrant detailing.
The patent outlines four different head types, including socket, flat, and rounded styles. Each one is shaped to resemble the BMW emblem, split into four quadrants. Two of the sections are recessed, while the remaining ones are either flat or raised, forming a shape that would likely require a made-to-fit tool.
Custom Screws and Logo Logic
At a first glance, the branded screw heads look interesting, especially if used on visible parts of the cabin or in the engine bay. But for mechanics or owners with standard toolkits, they’re far less charming. Unusual screw patterns mean ordinary tools won’t grip, and anyone hoping to access key components may need BMW-specific gear.
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It’s not hard to imagine the headache this could cause in workshops. Standard sets won’t cut it, and unless you’re a BMW dealer or a die-hard enthusiast, you’re likely to find yourself one screwdriver short of a full repair.
Who Has the Right Bit?
WIPO
Unsurprisingly, the internet wasn’t supportive to the idea. Enthusiasts panned the idea, seeing it as another obstacle for owners who prefer to do their own maintenance.
Some pointed out that aftermarket suppliers would probably crank out compatible bits almost immediately. A few Reddit users even joked that knockoffs would surface on AliExpress and Temu before BMW’s screws ever hit an actual car, which, let’s be honest, only makes the joke funnier.
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Of course, whether these screws ever make it to production is anyone’s guess. Automakers file plenty of patents that never leave the sketchbook. These particular designs were submitted on June 7, 2024, and made public on December 11, 2025. But for now, they’re just drawings.
Whether BMW’s screws become a reality or not, we fear that automakers will keep making vehicles harder to repair. After all, in the era of electrification and technology, owners are already heavily reliant on dedicated service stations whenever something goes wrong.
Note: The opening image is a rendering based on the patent drawings created for illustrative purposes.
