Not long after BMW redesigned its 3-Series for the 1992 model year with a more rounded profile and greater dimensions, a 4-cylinder 318i (4-door) and 318is (2-door) joined the lineup. Like their 6-cylinder counterparts 325i/is, the 318i/is got a standard driver-side airbag and antilock brakes. Initial models came only with manual shift, but BMW's 4-speed automatic transmission arrived during 1993 as an option. BMW also issued 4-cylinder convertibles for a short time, but with the older, squared-off body. Not until 1994 would 4-cylinder convertibles adopt the smoothly curved shaping of the sedans.
