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.

979 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,799

2L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Crown Car Sales Limited

01639501145 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,900

63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

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

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£49,498

3L
11.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£6,495

2L
91.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,898

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,950

Finance available £245 pm

2L
111.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MCT CARS LTD

02890023785 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
38.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£38,000

2L
28.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32018 - 30d M Sport 5-Door

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

3L
89.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Castle Cars

01736806432 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (25) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack] Diesel Estate

£51,511

2L
4.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,953

2L
9.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,649

Finance available £506 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,395

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PX Cars Ltd

01924667043 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£32,998

2L
48.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Clydebank Used Car Centre

01414839926 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

2L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£30,990

Finance available £616 pm

3L
41.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

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 *

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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