E36 BMW 3 Series 1992–1999

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Year by year

1992 New body with rounded corners and a longer wheelbase. A driver airbag joins the standard equipment.¹
1993 Four-cylinder cars can now have an automatic. The sixes gain variable valve timing for more low-end torque.²
1994 Dual airbags on every 3 Series. A six-cylinder convertible arrives, and traction control becomes an option.³
1995 The 318ti hatchback joins the range, with a 138 hp 1.8-liter four.⁴
1996 A 2.8-liter six turns the 325 into the 328, and the 318's four grows to 1.9 liters. Automatic climate control is standard except on the 318ti.⁵
1997 No changes recorded.
1998 The four-cylinder coupe and convertible become the six-cylinder 323is and 323i. Side airbags are standard, and optional on the 318ti.⁶
1999 The coupe, convertible and 318ti carry on beside the new E46 sedan.⁷