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.

920 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NE cars ltd

01918142378 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilton Car Sales

02890023656 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£69,950

Finance available £1,416 pm

3L
2.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£27,470

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£34,995

2L
28.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

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

£19,700

Finance available £384 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,990

Finance available £780 pm

2L
11.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,695

Finance available £343 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Precision Motor Group

02039537318 *

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

£24,490

Finance available £483 pm

3L
64.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spa Motor Hereford

01432802169 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 30D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,490

3L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

3L
76.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Mss Motor Group Ltd

01255440166 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive35d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,715

3L
64.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Anchor Vans

01182079095 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,595

Finance available £423 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,990

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£24,849

Finance available £522 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£43,498

2L
16.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive M40i 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,990

3L
13.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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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