Packard
Member
Unfortunately the site is not allowing me to post images. But the links seem to work.
BMW has patented a new screw head designed to prevent non-dealer repairs
- Thread starter Packard
- Start date
onocoffee
Member
And now, in 2026, Festool will be abandoning the 5mm Hex Head...
Packard
Member
Soon there will be black market wrenches.
Cheese
Member
Packard
Member
Can 3D printers print using investment casting wax? If so, then with a minimal capital equipment investment, making precision stainless steel castings would be possible.
All that would be needed would be a crate to hold the casting sand, a ladle, and a furnace to melt the metal. Easy.
Then you could make your own wrenches.
The process was borrowed from the jewelry industry. Most stainless steel gun parts are investment cast. Some require no post casting machining. Many simply are run through a belt sander to give the appearance of a machined finish.
morsa-wax.com
All that would be needed would be a crate to hold the casting sand, a ladle, and a furnace to melt the metal. Easy.
Then you could make your own wrenches.
The process was borrowed from the jewelry industry. Most stainless steel gun parts are investment cast. Some require no post casting machining. Many simply are run through a belt sander to give the appearance of a machined finish.
MORSA Investment Casting Wax - MORSA Wax
Using over 300 years of experience to make the best out of wax!
morsa-wax.com
Vondawg
Member
Can not believe you are a 3 D printer guy….you surprised me
Some folks have done investment casting using PLA:
all3dp.com
alternately, there are resin printers which will print in resins intended for this, and if memory serves there were 3D printer filament formulations intended for this, and possibly a custom 3D printer intended to use wax as filament.
(ob. discl., I work for Carbide 3D)
Some of our customers use our Nomad CNC machines to machine wax and then cast it.
Lost-PLA Casting: All You Need to Know
In our step-by-step guide about the amazing art of lost-PLA casting, learn how 3D printing meets traditional casting to create metal objects.
all3dp.com
alternately, there are resin printers which will print in resins intended for this, and if memory serves there were 3D printer filament formulations intended for this, and possibly a custom 3D printer intended to use wax as filament.
(ob. discl., I work for Carbide 3D)
Some of our customers use our Nomad CNC machines to machine wax and then cast it.
luvmytoolz
Member
I can see micro spanner wrenches type bits in the future.
Peter
Peter
Crazyraceguy
Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2015
- Messages
- 5,538
Very similar to what used to be called "Clutch head". They have been around so long, that they have been forgotten.
Two seconds with a cutoff wheel would make a functional temporary substitute.
They are readily available as "security bits"
Packard
Member
I find BMW’s goal of making their cars harder to service by controlling who gets these wrenches objectionable.
Does it bother anyone else? It is not like this new wrench design is a performance improvement. It is simply a new barrier. Unless they are just doing it because it looks cool and is modeled after their logo.
Does it bother anyone else? It is not like this new wrench design is a performance improvement. It is simply a new barrier. Unless they are just doing it because it looks cool and is modeled after their logo.
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Crazyraceguy
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You do realize that this same thing happened back in the 1970s with Torx, right? AMC used them on exterior body parts like hood, windshield frame, and door hinges. Initially they were very hard to acquire. The major "tool truck" brands had them first and the average Joe couldn't exactly get access to that. It was possible of course, but not "drop by the hardware store easy, and Amazon wasn't even on Marty McFly's radar yet.
There has been a big push in "right to repair" legislation lately, so that idea might be moot anyway. (At least in the US)
luvmytoolz
Member
Some time back yes it would have been a show stopper, but now it's nothing more than a mild nuisance or delay as you can be sure several vendors will immediately release the tool to suit.
Cheese
Member
Well before we throw BMW under the bus and decide as a group to torch all BMW dealerships (aka Tesla) ... I'd offer up that maybe these new fasteners are only to be used on those very special BMW items that require surgical precision...think computers and other associated delicate electronic items. The bolt itself will cost a ton to manufacture so I don't think this will be used to attach fenders, turn signal lights or anything else that's really insignificant to the functioning of the car.
Packard
Member
I suppose the patent will prove unenforceable, what with the Chinese not believing in intellectual rights. So probably a moot point.
Addendum: My bad. I just googled this point and the Chinese government is now taking a strong stance in favor of intellectual rights.
Cheese
Member
Packard...Packard...Packard...do you still believe in the Easter Bunny? that particular "strong stance" will only last as long as until it doesn't. Does that sound familiar?
leakyroof
Member
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- Mar 23, 2011
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- 2,549
Ah yes, it DOES resemble the Clutch Screw… I can’t even remember what THOSE were used on… RVs ?
Anyway, I agree, as soon as someone can put a tool or tool set up on Amazon, Temu, etc, , the propriety issue will be gone.
As for Mercedes, yay, bring on the simpler..
Meanwhile, they’re in love with External Torx screws , so a good set of E sockets and some Torx wrenches are a must for working on them.
Meanwhile, it’s the unbelievable amount of jigs and special tools that make Mercedes complicated. BMW is no different, special branded bolts aside…
Anyway, I agree, as soon as someone can put a tool or tool set up on Amazon, Temu, etc, , the propriety issue will be gone.
As for Mercedes, yay, bring on the simpler..
Meanwhile, they’re in love with External Torx screws , so a good set of E sockets and some Torx wrenches are a must for working on them.
Meanwhile, it’s the unbelievable amount of jigs and special tools that make Mercedes complicated. BMW is no different, special branded bolts aside…
Cheese
Member
Yea, I actually went downstairs to find the clutch-head drivers but they must be outside in the garage SOMEWHERE.
My neighbor is a big fan of Mercedes and BMW automobiles along with his 8 European motorcycles.
I do have to admit that after helping him work on some of the vehicles, the Mercedes cars are exceptionally well built almost to a fault. From a mechanical engineers perspective...the Mercedes are truly works of wonder but you have to ask...after the initial purchase, who can afford to maintain them for any amount of time? Thus the reason my neighbor picks them up on the cheap and revitalizes them himself.
I've learned a lot in the last several years from working with him and am in awe of the technical aspects of these vehicles. Although, at times it seems like it's technology strictly for technologies sake.
As an example, a single USED camshaft...NOT GUARANTEED for an older DOHC engine that cost $500 and that was supposedly a good deal as they are no longer available as new.
After he received the camshaft, he brought it over to me so that we could verify that the cam lobe lifts were correct before he finalized the payment process for the used cam. Sheesh...fixing Chevy parts has never been this difficult.
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onocoffee
Member
I remember back in the 90s when I wanted to work on my 86 VW GTI, I had to chase down the Snap On guy in order to get a special torx socket that wasn't readily available at Sears. Good times!