BMW has patented bolts that prevent you from fixing your car yourself (2 photos)

The concern has introduced screws that cannot be removed with standard tools—they could break and damage the entire structure.





While some automakers, such as Mercedes, are simplifying repairs by replacing adhesive in headlights with screws, BMW is moving in the opposite direction. The Bavarian concern has patented a new type of fastener whose heads are shaped like the brand's signature logo. Sketches filed with the German Patent Office show screws with heads divided into four sections, imitating the famous BMW "propeller."

The patent describes four design variations, with two sections recessed and the other two flat or convex. This design makes it impossible to use standard screwdrivers and wrenches. Working with these screws will require a special tool, which will likely only be available to authorized dealers. While such details might visually add an interesting touch to the interior or under the hood, they will only cause headaches for owners and third-party service centers.

It is currently unknown whether these "branded" bolts will be mass-produced or will remain a paper project. The patent was filed in the summer of 2024 and published now, in December 2025.