BMW has enhanced the specification for 1999 model year 3- and 5-series cars, without any commensurate increase in cost. All four-cylinder 3-series Compact, coupe, convertible and Touring models gain colour-coded lower bodywork, while the coupe and convertibles also receive air conditioning and an M Sport steering wheel as standard.

Park Distance Control, which assists drivers when reversing, will be fitted as standard to the 3-series Touring SE model, and to all 5-series six-cylinder SE and eight-cylinder Touring models. In the 5-series range all non-SEs receive air conditioning as standard, while SE models gain spoke-style alloy wheels with 225/55 R16 tyres, and the 535i and 540i gain spoke-style alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 tyres.

Overall, BMW claims the specification enhancements add between 1% and 5.4% to the value of the 3-series range, and between 2.5% and 4.2% to the 5-series.