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.

958 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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 X32023 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,498

2L
13.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£36,000

2L
21.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

2L
8.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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 X32006 (06) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£1,495

3L
128.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Cars West Yorkshire

01212692545 *

BMW X32018 - XDRIVE30D M SPORT M BODYKIT 5-Door

£24,480

Finance available £482 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Premium Car Collection Ltd

01143086549 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
6.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32007 (57) - 2.0d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,299

2L
118.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shotton Part EX Change Centre

01913002315 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto SEMI-AUTO

Low Mileage

£36,495

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Carlisle

01228273233 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£28,998

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
45.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
79.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Northampton Car Company

01604343638 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£44,261

2L
8.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 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 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,145

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

BMW X32025 - Xdrive 30E Xline 5Dr Auto

£50,999

Finance available £1,027 pm

2L
5.0
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,490

2L
12.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,988

3L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£8,995

3L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carmatchedcom Ltd

01843269632 *

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.

View guides

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