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.

992 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£42,145

2L
17.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£40,990

Finance available £822 pm

2L
17.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Select Car Shop Ltd

01162165663 *

BMW X32.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£24,534

64.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Shrewsbury

01743292169 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,214

Finance available £301 pm

2L
77.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,994

2L
21.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£32,300

Finance available £643 pm

2L
24.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£14,200

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Reynolds Motor Group

01268208363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£23,499

2L
50.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Superstore Derby

01252960119 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,900

Finance available £861 pm

2L
8.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£50,155

2L
1.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,690

Finance available £630 pm

3L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Richard Vance Cars

02890024661 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2013 13-Reg BMW X3 xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto,PANORAMIC ROOF,MUST SEE!!!

Low Mileage

£8,988

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BJH Motors & Sons (Rainbow Hill)

01905676573 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£19,990

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Blue Ribbon Cars

01204771941 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
44.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,584

2L
6.7K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£20,799

Finance available £424 pm

2L
72.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

BMW X32025 - M40i M Pro Edition

Reduced

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

3L
58.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Ej's Cars Limited

01782432157 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

£18,495

2L
110.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

4.1/5 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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