The E36 was one of the only 3 models, which no major optical model of care over the whole period was produced. Obvious feature of the model of care at E36 were small changes to the headlights (lighting) and the BMW kidney and the front bumper and rear.

While the first models still ellipsoidal headlamps and light gray plastic bumpers with large cooling air openings had flowed with the model of care in free-form headlight technology, aerodynamically optimized mirrors and headlamp covers (each with a small pimple against wind noise) and side turn signal in the wings in the series . Furthermore, had the facelift model has a slightly V-shaped and outwardly convex BMW kidney and in darker gray colored side skirts and plastic bumper with a finely ribbed Kühllufteinlass and a continuous horizontal joint. The reason: an extra charge were the bumper now (up to this fugue) in car color ordered.

The standard plastic Radvollblenden although retained in its basic design, have been associated with the facelift, but something softer and more three-dimensional designs and with a more glossy clearcoat provide. Inside was the model of care provided by new upholstery colors and fabrics (flax fabric) significantly. In addition, the driver's airbag as standard. By order of the front passenger air bags received the cockpit a bit more modern form, since the storage tray no longer before the passenger seat and the cockpit angeschrägt was easy here. In the further course of the models were also significantly more attractive visually airbag steering wheel with colored BMW emblem (only in the plastic embossed).