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.

827 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

LA Car Sales

01143089109 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hitchin Motor Sales Ltd

01908953489 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,900

Finance available £532 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£26,500

Finance available £466 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,490

2L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

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

£28,491

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,999

Finance available £411 pm

3L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,249

Finance available £334 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£32,200

Finance available £580 pm

2L
30.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,317

Finance available £489 pm

2L
25.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£28,200

Finance available £512 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

£27,195

Finance available £538 pm

3L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£44,998

3L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Wigan)

01942597310 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,639

Finance available £490 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 18d SE Auto sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,998

2L
41.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£17,713

Finance available £351 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,694

3L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6

£17,999

Finance available £349 pm

3L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.8/5 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

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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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros