1993 BMW 3-Series: Six-cylinder engines adopted variable valve timing that was claimed to boost low-speed response and increase fuel economy. A sport suspension joined the option list. 3-Series cars also gained body-color bumpers and a fold-down center armrest. Sedans could now be ordered with optional fold-down rear seats.

1994 BMW 3-Series: All 3-Series models gained a passenger-side airbag. BMW's ASC+T traction control became optional. Starting in summer of 1993, convertibles adopted the smooth design of BMW sedans, abandoning the old profile. Four-passenger convertibles shared the coupe's lower body styling, but wore unique rear sheetmetal. A power top stows beneath a solid rear cover. A pop-up "Rollover Protection System" was optional on convertibles. A high-performance M3 coupe debuted in spring 1994, packing a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter engine and manual shift, with a firmer suspension and 17-inch tires.

1995 BMW 3-Series: The 325 saw only minor changes for 1995.

1996 BMW 3-Series: A bigger (2.8-liter) engine went into 1996 models soon after the start of production, and the cars were renamed 328i. The M3 high-performance coupe could have an available 5-speed automatic transmission.

1997 BMW 3-Series: All BMWs had traction control in '97. The high-performance M3 now came as a 4-door sedan as well as a 2-door coupe. BMW's twin kidney grille was reshaped to match the new 5-Series. Side marker and turn signal lamps were redesigned.

1998 BMW 3-Series: BMW introduced an old engine to the 3-Series lineup for 1998, the 2.5-liter inline-six that had been standard on the 1992-95 models. Called the 323, the new model was available only in coupe and convertible bodystyles. Side airbags are now standard on all models, and the convertible gets a full-automatic power top. The 3-Series was all new for 1999.