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.

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - 2.0d MHT M SPORT XDRIVE AUTO 4-Door

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
36.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

NI Car Sales Ltd

02838447728 *

BMW X32020 - 3.0 X3 M40i Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£36,680

Finance available £733 pm

3L
16.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ryds Group Ltd

02038704048 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,489

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

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

£20,895

2L
69.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

TheCarHouse.co.uk

01482249182 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,895

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£25,993

Finance available £513 pm

37.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£43,692

2L
8.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps) Automatic

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

3L
59.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

BMW X3(72) - 2.0 20i MHT xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£29,990

28.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

GC Motors

01423396999 *

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

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£30,798

2L
37.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TMMC The Manchester Motor Company Ltd

01204324191 *

0/5 Stars

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

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£42,347

3L
21.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

Low Mileage

£34,988

2L
20.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,619

3L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Mercedes-Benz Chichester

01243979974 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d SE Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,995

2L
86.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hillington Motor Co Ltd

01414730658 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£7,495

2L
157.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

PD Car Sales

01553603573 *

BMW X32011 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£4,495

2L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car World Motors Ltd

01924668250 *

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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