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.

966 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
140.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,885

Finance available £154 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hampton Motorgroup

01216618720 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
6.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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

Low Mileage

£31,000

Finance available £552 pm

2L
21.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£27,470

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,898

2L
43.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32016 - XDRIVE20d XLINE 5-Door

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
93.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RS Car Sales & Hire

01328801763 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£30,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,500

Finance available £503 pm

2L
30.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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

Reduced

£17,195

Finance available £333 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,490

2L
101.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£43,250

2L
5.5K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

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

Low Mileage

£41,375

2L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32012 (62) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
132.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Trunk Road Budget Cars

01642061101 *

0/5 Stars

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 *

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

£31,911

2L
30.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£39,550

Finance available £792 pm

2L
13.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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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