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.

933 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,491

2L
87.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

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

£5,489

Finance available £100 pm

2L
123.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MOTOR CAPITAL LTD

01212697805 *

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
78.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto BLACK BMW SERVICE HISTORY X3M

Reduced

£22,695

Finance available £446 pm

3L
98.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Motor Wise

01673268382 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£36,314

2L
17.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,400

Finance available £357 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,850

Finance available £175 pm

2L
97.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£36,950

Finance available £739 pm

2L
21.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£25,600

Finance available £463 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32025 (25) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (197 ps)

Low Mileage

£49,995

2L
1.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle - Stoneacre Specialist

01916070793 *

BMW X32008 (58) - 3.0 XDRIVE30D SE 5d 215 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£4,000

3L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hearsall Common Car Sales

02475105300 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,299

Finance available £252 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

BMW X32018 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,750

Finance available £508 pm

2L
43.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wheelers Chipping Norton

01608692663 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,998

2L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Sydenham

01414839958 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,116

2L
17.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,895

2L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

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 X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Meadway Autoland

01216475215 *

1/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£24,559

Finance available £495 pm

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 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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