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.

973 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32014 - XDRIVE20d SE 5-Door

£7,200

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NSK Car Sales Ltd

02382544930 *

BMW X32008 - 2.0d M Sport 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Wyke Motors

01274028135 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,799

Finance available £308 pm

2L
50.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

N K Motors Chilwell

01156977727 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

3L
55.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

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

£15,890

Finance available £333 pm

2L
68.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rivendell Cars Limited

01434629055 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 30e M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£24,500

Finance available £437 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

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

£13,500

Finance available £279 pm

2L
87.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Muirhead Motor Company

01592407413 *

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

Reduced

£4,795

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£8,489

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£22,000

Finance available £460 pm

3L
61.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

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

Low Mileage

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DERWENT MOTORS LTD

01332414504 *

BMW X32022 - M40D -TECH/COMFORT PACKS -PAN ROOF -HARMAN KARDON - £5K EXTRAS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

3L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

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 X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,898

2L
43.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

£19,889

Finance available £388 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£10,495

2L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Diesel Estate

£35,441

2L
33.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

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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