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.

949 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32005 (05) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

£1,095

2L
169.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MTZ Cars

01282501879 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£6,750

3L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£19,999

2L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
15.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

EMAX Automobile Ltd

02475103862 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,000

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

RSS AUTOS LIMITED

02380017784 *

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

Reduced

£24,480

Finance available £482 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

2L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Autoworld Cars LTD

01924973787 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

£5,995

2L
1.0
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Formula One Car Centre

01324374133 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£49,995

Finance available £1,007 pm

2L
3.7K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£11,490

Finance available £234 pm

2L
104.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Compact Car Centre Ltd

01216615579 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

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

£10,400

Finance available £210 pm

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£28,000

Finance available £591 pm

2L
57.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW X32013 (62) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Peachwood Cars

01205335099 *

BMW X32013 (2E) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£7,995

2L
106.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cattedown Trade Centre

01752426030 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

High Street Motor Group Ltd

01924793492 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,900

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,999

Finance available £477 pm

2L
63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,795

Finance available £264 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£26,492

2L
50.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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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