‘Right to repair’ is coming to cars, but there’s still this big blind spot as consumers demand more autonomy

The “right to repair” movement has traditionally focused on access to replacement parts and manuals for consumer electronics. However, the fight for more consumer autonomy has emerged in the automotive industry as well. 

BMW filed a patent with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office in 2024 for a new screw design that includes the shape of its logo. It would require BMW-specific tools to remove it, effectively locking out independent auto shops that have not bought them.

“The invention is based on the objective of providing a screw which has a specific drive structure which cannot be tightened and/or unscrewed, or can only be tightened with a small number of standard screwdriving tools.” the patent states. “The shape of the engagement recesses prevents the screw from being loosened or tightened using common counter-drive structures by unauthorized persons.”

While BMW has not yet implemented its screw patent into its production, lawmakers are pushing back against automakers attempting to control who can interact with their vehicles.

Bills like the Repair Act, which was introduced in 2023 and reintroduced in 2025, would require manufacturers to provide vehicle owners and independent repair facilities with the same diagnostic repair information and tools that are already available to franchised dealerships. It would also direct the Federal Trade Commission to enforce the law against manufacturers that fail to comply.

Automotive content creator ChrisFix is one of the leading voices in championing the Repair Act online. As a car enthusiast who........

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