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.

933 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,449

Finance available £667 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£23,195

2L
62.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

3L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

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 X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,850

Finance available £64 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

3L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£5,790

Finance available £107 pm

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Select Cars Countrywide Limited

01392537679 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,295

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Keighley Vehicle Sales

01535281001 *

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

£28,890

2L
42.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Volvo Crawley

01293247855 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,498

Finance available £627 pm

2L
22.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Newcastle BYD

01916071118 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,994

Finance available £156 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,998

2L
28.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Morecambe)

01524938898 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
93.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,100

Finance available £459 pm

2L
56.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Norwich

01603567768 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,999

2L
10.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£52,995

Finance available £1,068 pm

3L
9.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

Low Mileage

£31,490

Finance available £626 pm

3L
21.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sleaford Car Centre

01529401234 *

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 *

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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