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.

929 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,500

Finance available £451 pm

2L
50.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Bridgend Ford

01656336637 *

4.6/5 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 X32008 - 2.0d M Sport 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Wyke Motors

01274028135 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£32,416

2L
30.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (54) - 2.5i SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,595

2.5L
90.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hbm Motors

01268988079 *

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

£20,000

Finance available £390 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - i 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£26,993

31.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,900

Finance available £400 pm

2L
19.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,750

Finance available £196 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Transylvania Motors Ltd

01744419380 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£34,304

2L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,990

3L
47.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Audi Five Oaks

01403331227 *

BMW X32024 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£42,400

Finance available £851 pm

2L
15.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,803

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,595

Finance available £125 pm

2L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

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

£15,994

Finance available £335 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto Petrol Estate

£44,950

3L
33.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,489

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£27,470

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£47,899

Finance available £963 pm

3L
14.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

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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