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 X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,273

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£23,200

Finance available £486 pm

2L
59.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£28,500

2L
34.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,995

Finance available £986 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,898

2L
33.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£34,173

3L
27.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,953

2L
9.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£22,500

Finance available £471 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,143

Finance available £687 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,498

2L
22.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
25.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

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

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SLF car sales

02038933675 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£43,898

2L
8.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£28,998

2L
35.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore / BYD (Linwood)

01414736404 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
48.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

£69,898

3L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow Corvette / Maserati / LUXE

01414049937 *

4.7/5 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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