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 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 X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£39,495

Finance available £791 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£25,600

Finance available £550 pm

2L
60.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£28,500

2L
37.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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 X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,299

Finance available £252 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilton Car Sales

02890023656 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£56,450

3L
7.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£35,995

Finance available £719 pm

3L
71.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto BLACK BMW SERVICE HISTORY X3M

Reduced

£22,695

Finance available £446 pm

3L
98.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Motor Wise

01673268382 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,999

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32009 (09) - 2.0d SE 5dr [177]

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW X32004 (04) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£995

3L
128.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

CorfeMullen Tyres and Car Sales

01202099860 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

3L
67.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autozone Cars

02870449518 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,990

Finance available £472 pm

3L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Conor Morgan Cars Ltd

02890023207 *

BMW X32016 - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,495

3L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cuffley Motor Company

01707242026 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Reduced

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (23) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£40,500

Finance available £811 pm

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

3L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
33.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

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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