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.

938 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly Ballymena Motorstore

02825447459 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£24,377

Finance available £480 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

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

£27,990

2L
49.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

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 X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,895

Finance available £221 pm

2L
95.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£3,599

Finance available £58 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

FND Motors Limited

01917314481 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,000

2L
42.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Gateshead Metrocentre Mazda

01916071534 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£22,250

3L
68.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Lincoln Kia

01522459163 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£42,400

Finance available £851 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (74) - M50 5-Door

Reduced

£65,500

3L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£10,495

2L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,998

2L
30.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£11,949

Finance available £245 pm

41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

XA Cars Ltd

01753989177 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,975

Finance available £223 pm

2L
108.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Hunt

02476936615 *

3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,300

2L
26.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

2L
116.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

James Bush Cars

01652241116 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M & L CAR SALES LIMITED

01733666831 *

0/5 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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