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.

925 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,795

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Isaac Milne Motors

02890023655 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d SE 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£950

2L
150.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MIDLAND CARS HUB LTD

01215165533 *

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

£25,934

Finance available £568 pm

2L
41.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£15,949

Finance available £314 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,445

Finance available £461 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

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

£9,890

Finance available £190 pm

2L
106.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prestigio Cars Ltd

01908767389 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£24,082

Finance available £485 pm

2L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (286 ps)

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

3L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhouse (Beds) Ltd

01234676818 *

BMW X32017 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

3L
114.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Quay

01283244020 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,698

2L
39.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Dover Ford

01304800830 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,498

Finance available £627 pm

2L
22.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Newcastle BYD

01916071118 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,489

Finance available £462 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

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

£7,909

Finance available £154 pm

2L
105.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW X32009 (09) - XDRIVE20D SE EDITION PREMIUM 5-Door

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
125.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Platinum Car Centre

01752987232 *

BMW X32020 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,700

Finance available £586 pm

2L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,898

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£36,995

Finance available £739 pm

2L
17.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£26,242

Finance available £519 pm

37.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,750

Finance available £734 pm

3L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,899

Finance available £474 pm

2L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 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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