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.

936 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32009 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MOORGATE AUTOS LTD

01614139835 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£5,900

Finance available £109 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Oldbury Car Sales

01216474046 *

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

£24,940

2L
63.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
75.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Mallusk Auto Centre

02890023123 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,995

Finance available £1,048 pm

2L
9.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,062

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

Reduced

£17,195

Finance available £333 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£42,541

3L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£32,549

2L
23.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£31,995

Finance available £637 pm

3L
49.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Harvey Cooper Cars

01765532622 *

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

Reduced

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£28,599

11.8K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,594

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,786

2L
16.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
129.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dereham Motor Company ltd

01362700376 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,250

Finance available £560 pm

2L
53.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Pat O'Kane Car Sales Ltd

02871221778 *

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 X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

3L
84.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Georgesons Anfield (coming soon)

01513329719 *

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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