BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can Remove
CarBuzz • • technology
Key Points:
- BMW has patented a new screw design featuring its roundel logo as the screw head, which cannot be removed with standard tools, potentially complicating repairs for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts.
- This specialized fastener is intended to prevent unauthorized persons from loosening or tightening screws, particularly in visible and critical areas such as seat mounts and connections between the cockpit and the vehicle's load-bearing structure.
- The design includes various screw head types, including socket, flat, and round heads, suggesting BMW could use these fasteners in multiple vehicle locations, increasing the need for specialized tools.
- The patent reflects BMW's ongoing strategy, common among German automakers, to use unique fasteners that limit access to authorized service providers, potentially increasing repair costs and dependency on dealerships
