BMW Designs Roundel-Shaped Screw Heads That Could Require Special Tools

BMW patent drawings show logo-inspired screw heads shaped like the BMW roundel, with quadrant recesses.

BMW is not afraid of pushing the envelope when it comes to design, tech and engineering, so it comes as no surprise that a new patent has taken everyone by surprise. Filled with WIPO,  this new patent shows a fastener concept that’s clever, unmistakably branded, and seemingly engineered to make basic access more exclusive than sometimes it needs to be.

The schematics show BMW experimenting with proprietary screw heads modeled after the company’s roundel. Instead of reaching for familiar Torx or hex hardware, the design uses a circular head split into four quadrants, mirroring the emblem’s layout and quadrant detailing. The patent illustrates four different head types, including socket, flat, and rounded variations, all sharing the same logo-inspired geometry.

Functionally, the concept relies on an unusual engagement pattern. Two quadrants are recessed, while the remaining sections are either flat or raised. That combination would likely require a matching, made-to-fit driver—meaning ordinary tools wouldn’t properly grip. BMW even embosses its logo around the outer ring, leaving little doubt about the fastener’s origin or the intent behind it. From an aesthetic standpoint, it fits BMW’s long-standing habit of sweating details, even on parts that typically live out of sight.

Where Could The Screws Be Used?

The bigger issue is where BMW suggests these screws could be used. According to the patent, the fasteners are intended for structural and semi-structural applications, including seat mountings and areas where the interior connects to the vehicle body. These are high-torque locations that already demand proper equipment and correct procedures. Adding a proprietary head design doesn’t make those jobs safer or clearer for owners—it simply narrows who can realistically perform them without investing in BMW-specific tooling.

And that restriction isn’t accidental. BMW’s stated goal is to prevent tightening or loosening with common tools by unauthorized individuals. In real-world terms, that means owners, independent repair shops, and smaller garages could find themselves locked out unless they buy specialized equipment. Even routine work could trend toward dealership visits, not because the job is inherently complex, but because the fastener itself becomes a gatekeeper.

Will It Come Into Production Series?

It’s also worth remembering what this is—and what it isn’t. These screws are patented drawings, not production parts. Automakers file plenty of patents that never graduate beyond the sketchbook. In this case, the designs were submitted on June 7, 2024, and made public on December 11, 2025. For now, they remain a concept on paper.

[Via Autoblog]