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 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 X32023 (23) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£40,500

Finance available £811 pm

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,889

Finance available £388 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,498

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
63.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
65.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,890

Finance available £333 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rivendell Cars Limited

01434629055 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,995

2L
72.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Paragon Motor Company Ltd

01945668594 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,755

Finance available £488 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
94.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Regency Cars

02891638493 *

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

Reduced

£20,790

2L
90.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£19,792

Finance available £394 pm

2L
74.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £501 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32019 - M40I 5-Door

£28,370

Finance available £611 pm

3L
59.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,749

Finance available £426 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,995

Finance available £438 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d xLine 5-Door

£27,800

2L
58.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
108.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BSS CAR SALES LTD

01362700947 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£3,450

Finance available £55 pm

2L
149.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Kudos Motors And Van Sales

01449700847 *

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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