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.

955 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,976

Finance available £535 pm

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - AUTO PARK - LED - REVERSE CAM

Low Mileage

£27,416

Finance available £554 pm

2L
28.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AJ Motors

01422412382 *

BMW X32022 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£23,595

Finance available £464 pm

44.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£22,617

Finance available £454 pm

2L
36.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Auto 5dr - Virtual Cockpit & Apple CarPlay

Low Mileage

£28,650

Finance available £568 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

£26,745

Finance available £575 pm

3L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,394

Finance available £322 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Preston MG

01772289213 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 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 X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,499

2L
57.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,850

Finance available £242 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elect Automotive Ltd

01525308849 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,490

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Auto MC Limited TA Automotive Cars

01535280995 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£50,992

3L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
94.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Regency Cars

02891638493 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£6,499

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,994

Finance available £335 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£20,180

Finance available £437 pm

2L
53.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£43,990

Finance available £883 pm

3L
31.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

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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