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.

936 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£45,450

Finance available £913 pm

2L
10.0K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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

£24,909

Finance available £545 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£22,925

Finance available £450 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UCAR

02890026926 *

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

£21,895

Finance available £429 pm

66.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,470

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,200

Finance available £456 pm

2L
86.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,491

Finance available £503 pm

2L
46.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,250

Finance available £318 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carrera Specialist Cars

01414049939 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£33,990

Finance available £678 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£43,490

Finance available £873 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Assured Chichester

01293247834 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
54.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

O'Loughlin Brothers

02879440950 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£34,949

Finance available £697 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) Automa

Reduced

£25,395

Finance available £501 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£26,299

Finance available £548 pm

2L
52.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

02039092092 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

2L
44.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Diamond Specialist Cars Limited

01422412351 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
25.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bells Crossgar

02844330480 *

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

Low Mileage

£42,599

Finance available £911 pm

2L
7.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Birtley

01913387241 *

BMW X32011 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,795

Finance available £85 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Castle Garages

01792739463 *

4.6/5 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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