Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

For many years, only the diesel powertrains were offered. The diesel engines are the easiest to find on the used car market. However, with the rise of the plug-in hybrid over the past few years, it probably won't be long before we see more of these more efficient models in the used market.

Which are the most popular trim levels?

BMW has offered several X3 trim levels over the years, including the M Sport, xLine and M Competition. The M Sport is the most popular among X3 owners, due to the different alloy wheel design and body trim giving a sportier exterior, and superior interior features such as leather upholstery.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Customers should look out for advanced safety features, such as the advanced parking assistant, which is helpful when trying to get into tight spaces. It is also possible to find a variety of interior materials, keyless entry and laserlights.

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Yes, the X3 offers a spacious interior considering its smaller size, with the newer models providing more rear legroom. The boot space is also ample, especially in the non-hybrid models.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

BMW recently released the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, which features a top output of 287bhp when the XtraBoost is engaged. With this powertrain, expect a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and an electric range of up to 26 miles per charge.

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Yes, the BMW X3 has been available as an automatic, with newer models only offering this gearbox. It's much easier to find an automatic in a used X3 than it is to find a manual.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

All newer models of the BMW X3 come standard with all-wheel drive. This added capability enhances traction and handling, especially when the road is slippery. It's also beneficial when driving on uneven terrain.

941 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,490

Finance available £873 pm

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,989

2L
54.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 6 SPEED MANUAL 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

2L
62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£9,695

2L
133.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTyne

01916076035 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,890

2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,295

2L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Express

07305693901 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,595

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
19.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,480

Finance available £441 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£23,500

Finance available £493 pm

2L
53.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,900

63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,000

2L
71.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£27,170

3L
53.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu Nissan Darlington

01325528051 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,395

Finance available £830 pm

3L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 2.0 20i SE SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £420 pm

2L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Poole

01202076853 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,755

Finance available £488 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noble Motors

01256268407 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,395

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

£9,995

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW X32013 (62) - sDrive18d M Sport 5dr

£3,495

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

Why buy a used BMW X3?

If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that's refined and luxurious, then a used BMW X3 is a great choice. The X3 looks classy from the outside and is a lot of fun to drive. With the efficient engine options combined with its comfortable and plush interior, the X3 ticks plenty of boxes for various types of buyer.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

Pros

Efficient diesel engines
Well-designed interior space
Good fun to drive

Cons

Ride can be firm
Expensive accessories list
Hybrid has less boot space

Read our BMW X3 review

BMW X3 video review

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Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

While initially only offered with diesel engines, the BMW X3 now can be found with petrol, diesel and hybrid configurations, including a manual or an automatic gearbox and rear or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has a top output of 287bhp with the XtraBoost engaged, giving it a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds with an electric range of up to 26 miles.
xDrive20i includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to create 181bhp with a consumption rating of up to 36.7mpg.
M40i contains a 3.0-litre straight-six to make 335bhp, giving the SUV a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
At the top of the lineup, the M Competition has a 502bhp engine that cuts the 0-62mph time to 3.8 seconds.

Diesel

xDrive20d has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder to create 187bhp that returns a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.
xDrive30d has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder to make 281bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to 5.7 seconds.
M40d boosts output to 321bhp so that it can reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds.

Practicality

The X3 is designed to be practical while maintaining its smaller, more nimble footprint. It has a spacious interior and lots of standard technology features.

Interior space

Newer models have standard leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Rear seat legroom has been increased with each new generation.
ISOFIX points are included to secure child seats.

Boot space

550-litre boot in non-hybrid models (450 litres PHEV), matching the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
With rear seats down, there are 1,600 litres available, which is more than the Audi Q5.
Standard hands-free tailgate gives instant access to boot.

Safety

Perfect five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2017.
Adult occupant rating is 93%.
Standard features include lane departure, lane change warnings, a rear-view camera, cross-traffic warning, parking sensors and front collision warning with brake function.

Technology

Dual screens available – 12.3-inch driver information display and 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly with the infotainment system.
Available touchscreen sat nav has clear, crisp graphics.

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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