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.

939 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 - XDRIVE30D M SPORT M BODYKIT 5-Door

£24,480

Finance available £482 pm

3L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Premium Car Collection Ltd

01143086549 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto Electric Estate

Low Mileage

£27,374

28.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Estate

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)-Factory Extra

Low Mileage

£32,600

Finance available £649 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,990

Finance available £637 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 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 X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,795

2L
72.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Paragon Motor Company Ltd

01945668594 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

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 X32013 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MB Motors

02825440802 *

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

£20,000

Finance available £433 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (286 ps)

Low Mileage

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

3L
20.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CLYDEBANK CAR SALES LTD

01412601334 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,990

2L
38.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£25,800

3L
60.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£40,099

2L
15.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

£44,838

2L
9.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£51,476

2L
5.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,498

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

11.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto SEMI-AUTO

£23,199

3L
65.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£30,898

3L
52.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 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

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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