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.

982 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,500

Finance available £346 pm

2L
62.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richardsons Car Sales

01522458038 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
106.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

McKeever Motors

02877440071 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,495

Finance available £626 pm

2L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Comiskey Motors

02830447308 *

BMW X32017 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,999

Finance available £472 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
58.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) X Drive, Fin

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

H and M Cars Ltd

07921081064 *

BMW X32011 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,995

3L
36.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

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

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

AVI DHIR CARS LIMITED TA AD Car Sales

01530441089 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32011 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,495

3L
92.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peak Automotive Limited

01637801278 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,195

2L
122.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

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

£15,695

2L
101.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dow Storey

01919333928 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,988

3L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

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

£8,895

Finance available £176 pm

2L
107.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - KEYLESS START - SPORTS SEATS

Low Mileage

£25,825

Finance available £532 pm

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£20,200

Finance available £420 pm

2L
43.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

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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