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.

971 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (18) - 20i xLine SUV 2.0 Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,999

2L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,898

2L
4.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

£4,199

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

BMW X32014 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

Reduced

£9,990

2L
82.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£20,695

Finance available £405 pm

2L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

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

Reduced

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

GTS Automotive Ltd

01254947688 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,300

Finance available £422 pm

2L
43.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,799

3L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 3.0 sd M Sport Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,000

3L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,181

Finance available £517 pm

2L
37.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Steven Eagell Toyota St Albans

01727648034 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£23,998

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£18,850

Finance available £399 pm

2L
19.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,990

2L
106.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,995

2L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SG MOTORHOUSE LTD

01992669367 *

BMW X32009 (09) - 2.0d SE 5dr [177]

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£44,898

2L
7.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

3L
9.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£41,898

2L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

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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