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.

999 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,191

2L
22.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Bridgwater

01278555830 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£26,295

Finance available £565 pm

3L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - XDRIVE20d SE 5-Door

£7,200

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NSK Car Sales Ltd

02382544930 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Low Mileage

£30,999

3L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£36,224

2L
12.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 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 X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£9,450

Finance available £189 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GEORGE DORAN VEHICLES

02890023217 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
28.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,995

3L
58.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PMA CARS

02890026896 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,000

2L
32.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£38,990

2L
5.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

3L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Low Mileage

£30,999

3L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,895

2L
107.0K
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Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cars2u

01473354250 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

£4,199

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CARVIEWS LTD

01217288890 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 Xdrive20d M Sport 5DR 4x4 Diesel

Low Mileage

£23,489

Finance available £462 pm

2L
40.3K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£43,898

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto 4WD 5dr

£5,196

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stenhouse Car Sales

01414069612 *

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

£23,595

Finance available £464 pm

44.5K
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Electric
Automatic
Estate

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

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

Low Mileage

£24,999

Finance available £525 pm

2L
45.0K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

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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