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.

946 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£30,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,999

3L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

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

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
77.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Abbey Autos Glengormley

02890021961 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

3L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto -H/LEATHER - FSH - NAV - BLUETOOTH

Reduced

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

3L
79.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CSG Motor Company Ltd

01494415167 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,440

2L
75.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Stockport

01616945314 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£45,898

2L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £493 pm

2L
44.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,330

Finance available £500 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

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

£25,500

Finance available £450 pm

2L
45.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,950

Finance available £554 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,595

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,900

63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,199

3L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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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