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.

865 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - 5dr 2.0d xDrive M Sport Automatic

Reduced

£25,995

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Frosts Used Cars Shoreham-by-Sea

01273093609 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,800

Finance available £107 pm

2L
88.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£44,898

2L
8.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£33,000

Finance available £601 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Thomas Devlin Car Sales

02894338824 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£42,099

Finance available £900 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Glasgow

01412601249 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,678

Finance available £631 pm

2L
31.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

BLOFIELD MC

01603931807 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,350

Finance available £365 pm

3L
51.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

3L
142.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

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

£26,000

Finance available £465 pm

2L
43.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20i xLine 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,995

2L
38.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle Lexus

01916076197 *

BMW X32008 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
89.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£44,174

2L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

4.1/5 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 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£48,302

2L
6.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (69) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£23,900

Finance available £522 pm

2L
38.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,841

2L
38.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

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

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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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros