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.

963 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£31,990

Finance available £637 pm

2L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

EMAX Automobile Ltd

02475103862 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Reduced

£26,200

3L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£23,600

Finance available £422 pm

2L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 20i GPF X-LINE AUTO X-DRIVE 185 BHP + SAT NAV + HEATED LEATHER + CAMERA 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,980

Finance available £390 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

GTS Automotive Ltd

01254947688 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£19,999

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,700

Finance available £384 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
60.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vehicle Vault

01325522660 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive

Low Mileage

£22,750

Finance available £466 pm

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chris W Roads Ltd

01773301938 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,000

Finance available £357 pm

3L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps) - LEATHER - HEATE

Low Mileage

£35,720

Finance available £729 pm

3L
22.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,495

3L
59.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,990

Finance available £390 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

BMW X32019 - X3 M40d Auto 5-Door

£28,890

Finance available £573 pm

3L
51.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - M40D -TECH/COMFORT PACKS -PAN ROOF -HARMAN KARDON - £5K EXTRAS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£44,995

Finance available £904 pm

3L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,277

Finance available £439 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,049

Finance available £694 pm

3L
33.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£31,911

Finance available £635 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Sarah Cox Cars Ltd

01623706190 *

BMW X32014 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Abberton Car Sales

01206879441 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

Low Mileage

£38,990

Finance available £780 pm

3L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.9/5 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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