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.

975 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,599

Finance available £468 pm

2L
70.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noble Motors

01256268407 *

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,900

63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,990

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

David Wren Cars

01635884926 *

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

£25,950

2L
47.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

0/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

3L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps) AUTOMATIC

Low Mileage

£10,995

3L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swale Auto Sales II LTD

01748906162 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - Xdrive M40I 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,620

3L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,200

Finance available £353 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,290

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£64,792

Finance available £1,311 pm

3L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£24,450

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SM Specialist Cars Ltd

01234860417 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - i 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£27,566

27.1K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 3.0 M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

£46,949

Finance available £944 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
40.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,299

Finance available £505 pm

2L
43.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,977

Finance available £472 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

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

£21,500

Finance available £421 pm

2L
82.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£9,999

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW X32022 (71) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

£32,822

2L
45.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 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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