DIY Repairs May Be a Thing of the Past: BMW Patents Logo-Shaped “Secret” Bolts

In late 2025, BMW patented a new type of fastener that could fundamentally change the culture of do-it-yourself car maintenance.

The Munich-based automaker has developed screws and bolts with heads that visually mimic BMW’s familiar roundel. Behind the clean, branded look, however, is a built-in obstacle: the blue and white sections of the logo are hollow, and their distinctive geometry can only be engaged by a proprietary tool with matching teeth.

According to patent documents filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), BMW intends to use these fasteners primarily in vehicle interiors, including the center console and seats. The company explicitly states that the goal is to “make unauthorized loosening of the screw using standard tools more difficult.” While BMW frames the move as a safety measure and a way to deter theft—such as the removal of expensive radar sensors or catalytic converters—industry experts see it as a broader attempt to tighten control over the service market.

For the massive community of car enthusiasts, the implications are significant. Studies suggest that roughly 20 to 30 percent of vehicle owners handle minor repairs themselves, saving money as ownership and maintenance costs continue to rise. Introducing exclusive, brand-specific bolts creates an artificial barrier: even a simple fix, like repairing a cup holder, could now require either an expensive specialty tool or a visit to an authorized dealer.

Notably, the patent fits neatly into existing loopholes in “right to repair” legislation. Automakers are not required to disclose trade secrets or license proprietary intellectual property—and under this approach, even the shape of a basic bolt head can qualify as protected IP.