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.

938 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£20,359

2L
72.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - XDRIVE 30E M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,499

2L
11.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Hendy Car Store Exeter

01392342593 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,200

Finance available £459 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£65,990

Finance available £1,335 pm

3L
914.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,495

3L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cuffley Motor Company

01707242026 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,759

Finance available £473 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£34,990

2L
29.7K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

£27,990

2L
49.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Drive Next

01869221886 *

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 X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£52,500

Finance available £1,058 pm

2L
5.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
33.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,599

2L
3.4K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32006 - 2.0d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 4WD Euro 4 (150 ps)

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
160.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chepstow Trade Centre Ltd

01291440715 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,573

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
96.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£46,000

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,200

Finance available £384 pm

2L
40.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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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