Unless im missing something about the design, theres a fairly common bit already on the market that works for this, and Id assume most auto shops already have laying around. My dewalt 50 piece came with one…
Bit looks like
[This](Best Way Tools Spanner #8 X 1 in. L Spanner Tamper-Proof Security Bit S2 Tool Steel 1 pc Mfr# B86822 - Ace Hardware share.google/KHdg0HfO6zC9bab9O)
Comment on BMW’s Newest “Innovation” is a Logo-Shaped Middle Finger to Right to Repair
Treczoks@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
As soon as the rollout for BMW dealers starts, Chinese toolmakers will churn out compatible bits and screwdrivers. They might even be on the market before the BMW dealers have them in the mail.
axexrx@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
acosmichippo@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
that’s not the only issue, it’s also just a plainly worse design that will likely lead to lots of broken screws and bits.
notoftenthat@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Torqued to spec AND properly aligned.
https://imgur.com/electrician-left-all-of-screws-vertical-position-new-kitchen-x8osxMe
anomnom@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Ifixit does this with apple’s fasteners. I bet they have plans for the BMW ones now too.
njordomir@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
My dad bought me an ifixit repair kit for my birthday or Christmas or something and it is absolutely up there with the best, most frequently used presents of the last decade. It had the weird Ring doorbell bit when I tore down Amazon’s spy doorbell. It has an odd bit for my ebike, it has all the computer and phone repair tools to crack open modern devices. This was more of a phone/tablet/computer kit. Maybe Ifixit or someone else will make a repair kit specifically for vehicles with anti-consumer “features”
Ladislawgrowlo@lemy.lol 2 weeks ago
But these screwdrivers will be illegal, due to copyright infringement. Checkmate!
artyom@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
I’m sure they will but that requires owners to go out and buy a kit of specialty tools for that one job, which may be too much investment. And many people are just not savvy enough to do that, they see “specialty tools” and throw up their hands.
fishos@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
It’s a special bit, that’s it. Do you have any idea how many bits/sockets/adapters I already own that only fit one vehicle? TONS. That’s just the nature of vehicles and maintenance. And I’m pretty sure if you own a BMW, you can afford a $5 bit. This is a nothing burger. It’s just people jumping on the BMW hate, which if you were smart, there’s plenty of actual things they overcharge up the ass for. This isn’t one of them. You might as well complain about locking lug nuts as a whole because that’s really all this is.
artyom@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
It’s a special bit, that’s it.
More likely it’s a whole set of bits. Why do you think they’re doing this? Apple invented a new screw. Why do you think they did that? None of it is intended to slow down professional repair businesses, it’s to stop DIYers.
You might as well complain about locking lug nuts as a whole because that’s really all this is.
LOL locking lugnuts stop thieves. Do you think that’s what the purpose of this is?
fishos@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
You mean apples proprietary bit that comes with any cheap as fuck set of security bits? I have an electronics screwdriver set that cost me $10 and does ALL THE BITS, including Apples.
Locking lug nuts: you mean the thing most people with nice rims use? People who own things like a BMW? So instead of the one specific locking bit they now have this specific locking bit? So a 1:1 swap for one custom bit to another?
Also, you realize this is a standard bolt, right? As in, you can take it out and put a standard one in if it bothers you.
This is nothing but morons being outraged. It’s like people complaining about tax cuts for the rich as if you’re gonna be a billionaire someday. Your civic is gonna be just fine and for the people actually in this situation who already pay things like $300 for a replacement window switch, this $5 tool is meaningless.
SocialMediaRefugee@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
It would go with the tool I bought just to loosen a single plumbing fixture.
Ilovethebomb@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Have you done any work on your own vehicle? Because buying a tool just to do one job happens all the time.
artyom@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
I’m a professional, I have thousands of tools I use on a regular basis, and I use them to make money
brbposting@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
Whoh thousands and not hundreds?
SocialMediaRefugee@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
If you work on your own car you have enough savvy to go out and get a specialty bit.
artyom@piefed.social 2 weeks ago
You might also elect not to. Tell me, what do you think is the purpose of this special fastener?
jim3692@discuss.online 2 weeks ago
To make it inconvenient enough for non-authorized mechanics to touch the car. Forcing the owner to pay the manufacturer to fix the car.
sudoMakeUser@sh.itjust.works 2 weeks ago
You could almost manufacture it based on this image, granted that’s a 1/4" impact bit. All it would take is one bolt being smuggled to their factory or one photograph of a spec sheet.