this post was submitted on 15 Feb 2026
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BMW’s Newest “Innovation” is a Logo-Shaped Middle Finger to Right to Repair (www.ifixit.com)
submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by Beep@lemmus.org to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Adafruit: From Ultimate Driving Machine to Ultimate Rent-Seeking Machine: The BMW Logo Screw Patent.

If you haven’t already heard, BMW’s R&D teams have been busy “innovating.” Unfortunately, they aren’t focusing on the things that actually matter—like stellar engine performance or the legendary driving dynamics that gearheads love. Instead, the C-suite execs decided that the best use of their engineering budget was to design a proprietary security screw specifically intended to prevent BMW drivers from fixing their own cars.

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[–] Atomic@sh.itjust.works 14 points 19 hours ago (1 children)

It's almost, as if the article answers that question with a resounding "no, that's not going to help either."

But the novelty wears off the moment you consider the physics. Because this head prioritizes branding over utility, neither the bit nor the screw head can withstand the torque of a standard Torx or Hex fastener. The result? Broken bits, stripped screws, and more time spent on what would otherwise be a simple task.

[–] JohnEdwa@sopuli.xyz 5 points 14 hours ago

neither the bit nor the screw head can withstand the torque of a standard Torx or Hex fastener

Which "standard" Torx head? Maximum torque of 0.43Nm of a T5? Or maybe 10.5Nm of a T20? 132Nm of a T50? T60 is rated for 437Nm.

If you need a bolt that can handle 50Nm, you put a head that's sized to that on the bolt.
If it's a Torx, you put a T40. If it's Hex, you put an 8mm on it. And if it's a stupid BMW one, you pick the size that can handle 50Nm. The shape doesn't matter.