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.

988 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)-Factory Extra

Low Mileage

£32,950

Finance available £656 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,499

Finance available £324 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Trafford

01616969155 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£40,344

3L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£26,920

Finance available £579 pm

2L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£46,998

3L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£35,000

2L
44.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,199

Finance available £451 pm

2L
46.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£19,495

2L
88.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£60,450

3L
8.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE30D M SPORT 5-Door

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

3L
73.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A.G Sons Motors Ltd

01634564274 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,995

Finance available £965 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20D Xline 5Dr Step Auto

£21,499

2L
66.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
79.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Northampton Car Company

01604343638 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
91.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20I M Sport 5-Door

£22,320

Finance available £476 pm

2L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£27,200

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps) AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£10,995

3L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swale Auto Sales II LTD

01748906162 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,990

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

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

£24,350

Finance available £522 pm

2L
60.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 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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