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.

954 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

Low Mileage

£38,990

Finance available £780 pm

3L
10.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,990

Finance available £678 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

BMW X32018 (68) - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£25,500

Finance available £503 pm

3L
79.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32010 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£2,999

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,998

2L
28.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Morecambe)

01524938898 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

HAMPTON CAR SALES LTD

01604340436 *

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

£27,000

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,500

Finance available £458 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£24,650

Finance available £528 pm

2L
60.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,000

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32013 (2L) - 3.0 XDRIVE35D M SPORT 5d 309 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,995

3L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tradecarsliverpool Ltd

01513050145 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£20,299

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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 X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£23,900

Finance available £522 pm

2L
53.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32011 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,995

3L
92.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peak Automotive Limited

01637801278 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

J M CAR SALES LTD

01984600136 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,498

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£46,998

3L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,977

Finance available £472 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£20,498

2L
60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

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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