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.

990 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£20,995

£420/pm (HP)

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,995

2L
47.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Portsmouth

02394218048 *

BMW X32016 (16) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,930

£334/pm (HP)

3L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Steven Eagell Toyota Cambridge

01223800991 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£38,199

£643/pm (PCP)

2L
17.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

BMW X32016 - 3.0 30d M Sport Suv 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 258 Ps

£14,995

3L
83.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

EMG Motor Group Duxford

01223650664 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£33,998

2L
22.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,998

2L
15.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (East Kilbride)

01355203634 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£10,995

£388/pm (HP)

2L
62.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,490

2L
10.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£35,995

£598/pm (PCP)

2L
45.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

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

Reduced

£25,990

3L
76.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£27,049

£570/pm (HP)

2L
42.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,991

3L
66.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,800

2L
30.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,399

£433/pm (HP)

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (61) - 3.0 35I xDRIVE M SPORT STEPTRONIC EURO 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,000

£290/pm (HP)

3L
50.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

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

£22,300

£357/pm (PCP)

2L
71.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

£14,450

£301/pm (HP)

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20d M Sport Auto - Harman Kardon Audio & Pro Sat Nav & Rear Camera 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,690

£464/pm (PCP)

2L
40.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Crossroads Garage Limited

01909496760 *

BMW X32010 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£2,999

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

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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* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.