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.

968 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 - M40I 5-Door

£29,720

Finance available £590 pm

3L
52.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Motor Group Peterborough

01733666887 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£29,000

Finance available £613 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,699

22.1K
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Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£20,989

Finance available £433 pm

2L
71.0K
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Hybrid
Semi Auto
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cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A ONE MOTORS LTD

01143086574 *

BMW X32017 - 20d xLine 5-Door

Reduced

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
76.0K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

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

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
77.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GT Automotive

01902937679 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)-Factory Ex

£20,650

Finance available £404 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

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

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
70.0K
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Hybrid
Automatic
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Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£25,950

Finance available £513 pm

2L
45.0K
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Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Car Capital Ltd

02038933681 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d xLine 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,995

Finance available £332 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 82203 5-Door

£24,038

2L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
44.9K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dow Storey

01919333928 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

£69,898

3L
1.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow Corvette / Maserati / LUXE

01414049937 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,490

2L
12.0K
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Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,000

Finance available £223 pm

2L
75.0K
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Diesel
Semi Auto
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Hilltop Motors

01216618553 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,995

2L
32.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£46,270

Finance available £930 pm

3L
14.8K
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Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£46,988

2L
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Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,790

Finance available £286 pm

2L
79.2K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

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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