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.

963 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£34,949

Finance available £697 pm

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,990

2L
43.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,950

2L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,799

Finance available £442 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,299

Finance available £252 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£29,176

Finance available £604 pm

2L
24.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E Se 5-Door

£21,520

Finance available £458 pm

2L
59.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£45,854

2L
7.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32014 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,995

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Stoke

01782432847 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X3(11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,700

Finance available £105 pm

102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

MOTORSPOT NEWPORT LTD

01633746725 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

£19,599

Finance available £382 pm

2L
84.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,898

2L
43.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,099

Finance available £571 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW X32020 (69) - xDrive20d M Sport (Tech Pack, 360 Camera, Harman Kardon Sound) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£25,000

Finance available £493 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ray Chapman Motors Bradford

01274924168 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£47,499

Finance available £955 pm

2L
3.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,689

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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.