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 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£21,699

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive 20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto TOP SPEC

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Quality Car Sales

01924667062 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,950

Finance available £334 pm

3L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cleveland Car Sales

01482296016 *

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 6 SPEED MANUAL 5-Door

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £524 pm

2L
17.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,995

Finance available £611 pm

2L
25.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Norman Motors Bournemouth

01202133536 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,503

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£26,850

Finance available £531 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£49,898

2L
4.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Reduced

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Outlet

01322949481 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£50,250

Finance available £1,012 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£28,998

2L
49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill Motorstore/Fiat/Abarth/Leap

01316036582 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive30d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

3L
96.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Trusted Motors Limited

01613887761 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£17,495

Finance available £339 pm

88.0K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
85.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Baskeyfield Motors Limited

01782917824 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
110.0K
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Diesel
Manual
SUV

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£27,895

Finance available £625 pm

2L
53.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

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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