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.

1,001 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,950

Finance available £533 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto SEMI-AUTO

£23,199

3L
65.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Ballymena

02890022273 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,498

2L
45.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£24,491

2L
79.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Plus Pack]

£22,899

Finance available £474 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (286 ps)

Low Mileage

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

3L
20.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CLYDEBANK CAR SALES LTD

01412601334 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£18,150

2L
96.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Liberty Green Cars

01329559706 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps) - HK AUDIO - BMW

£24,928

Finance available £513 pm

3L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£30,000

Finance available £635 pm

2L
30.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,895

Finance available £176 pm

2L
107.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£46,169

2L
3.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32017 - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Automatic

Reduced

£14,300

Finance available £297 pm

2L
69.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£38,999

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

£6,995

2L
137.0K
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Diesel
Manual
SUV

Autoworld Cars LTD

01924973787 *

BMW X32023 - Xdrive20I Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,099

Finance available £762 pm

2L
8.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,990

2L
101.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Carmichael Cars

02890023196 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,349

Finance available £555 pm

2L
28.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Manchester

01614139868 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,498

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

2L
11.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£48,950

Finance available £985 pm

2L
6.5K
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Hybrid
Automatic
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JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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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