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.

954 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X3(61) - XDrive 35i M Sports SUV 3.0 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,949

41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,988

Finance available £390 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

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

£25,950

2L
47.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£38,950

3L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£30,200

Finance available £600 pm

2L
50.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

Low Mileage

£34,988

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£39,949

Finance available £800 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
106.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

McKeever Motors

02877440071 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,299

2L
49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,200

Finance available £353 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Diamond Specialist Cars Limited

01422412351 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£29,612

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,391

Finance available £322 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Preston MG

01772289213 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,845

2L
21.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Land Rover Bedford

01234861500 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,240

Finance available £446 pm

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£16,749

Finance available £352 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32023 - 30e M Sport 5-Door

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
24.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

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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