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.

973 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riviera Automotive Ltd

01274505967 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£21,981

Finance available £440 pm

2L
83.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£25,734

2L
34.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BYD Peterborough

01733907064 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,990

2L
43.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,699

Finance available £373 pm

2L
45.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£21,700

Finance available £453 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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

Low Mileage

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
42.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

D Salmon Jeep Colchester

01206489446 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£49,498

3L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£43,176

2L
11.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - Xdrive20D Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,299

Finance available £705 pm

2L
13.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32018 - 30d M Sport 5-Door

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
89.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Castle Cars

01736806432 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,895

Finance available £491 pm

3L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,990

2L
111.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - KEYLESS START - SPORTS SEATS

£23,922

Finance available £481 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £584 pm

2L
20.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Poole

01202076853 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,490

Finance available £811 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£25,993

Finance available £513 pm

37.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

2L
90.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,995

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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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