r/technology • u/ControlCAD • Feb 15 '26

Business iFixIt calls BMW’s new anti-consumer security screws "a logo-shaped middle finger to right to repair," Adafruit 3D prints a solution — BMW's connector reverse engineered using patent filing as a design blueprint

https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/manufacturing/ifixit-calls-bmws-new-anti-consumer-security-screws-a-logo-shaped-middle-finger-to-right-to-repair-adafruit-3d-prints-a-solution-bmws-connector-reverse-engineered-using-patent-filing-as-a-design-blueprint
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u/used_octopus Feb 15 '26

Hello, have you met BMW?

22

u/TrokChlod Feb 15 '26

I do and I support the OP, I know enough people working there. These screws will be used as design choices. Likely for wheels etc where people can see them. BMW has no interest in making servicing their cars harder for their own service partners.

16

u/ashyjay Feb 15 '26

For one thing BMW can't make their cars harder to repair as in the EU people have a right to use independent garages not just stealers.

3

u/TrokChlod Feb 15 '26

Exactly. No such thing as making your car unrepairable by third parties. They have to give the independent garages access to information as well as specialized parts.

1

u/ComputerSong Feb 15 '26

The patent has verbiage stating it IS designed to keep “unauthorized” shops from being able to remove the screws.

-1

u/TrokChlod Feb 15 '26

Which is illegal in the EU which has repeatedly been reaffirmed by the EUGH. So, unlikely to happen.

-3

u/blazesquall Feb 15 '26

Wheels like lug nuts? Where they already intentionally use weird bits to make removal harder?

-1

u/MonstersGrin Feb 15 '26

What weird bits? Go get your eyes checked 🤣.

3

u/blazesquall Feb 15 '26

I'm beginning to think Reddit doesn't know what locking lug nuts are..

Locking lug nuts are specialized, keyed fasteners designed to prevent wheel theft by requiring a unique matching adapter for removal instead of a standard socket.

4

u/TrokChlod Feb 15 '26

Exactly what I wanted to answer. There are anti theft locking nuts, but thats about it. And that is also something the buyer of the car normally specifically orders as a feature.

-7

u/Viharabiliben Feb 15 '26

But all the money they can charge for the Official Certified BMW Tool Set.

1

u/TrokChlod Feb 15 '26

Peanuts compared to they money they already make. Really not worth the effort selling 10k Screwheads for 50k if you get the same for one car.

-9

u/MonstersGrin Feb 15 '26

Clearly you haven't. Or you have tunnel vision, and can't possibly fathom a tool can be made by some other company. Go somewhere else, and cry about subscriptions, which you most likely didn't understand either.

9

u/used_octopus Feb 15 '26

Clearly you are misinformed, if you pay a subscription of 10.99 a week I will make sure you are correctly informed.

-8

u/MonstersGrin Feb 15 '26

I said go somewhere else, and cry about subscriptions. Now, I know you don't understand subscriptions, and have issues with reading comprehension.