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.

993 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£43,133

2L
8.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - X3 Xdrive 35d M Sport Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,775

Finance available £196 pm

3L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GMC MOTORS B'HAM LIMITED

01215165519 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,600

Finance available £649 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Walshaw Motors Ltd

01616944748 *

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

£21,495

Finance available £421 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

The Volvo Guys Ltd

01274087628 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£27,200

Finance available £574 pm

2L
44.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,495

2L
96.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,149

Finance available £616 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d xLine 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,500

Finance available £324 pm

2L
59.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MODERN CLASSICS LYTHAM LTD

01253376747 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,800

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£36,950

Finance available £739 pm

2L
21.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£51,316

2L
4.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20i M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
91.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

S.M.T Automotive Ltd

01296326349 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32005 (05) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

£1,095

2L
169.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MTZ Cars

01282501879 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£9,495

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

iCars Automotive Ltd

07482502192 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,500

2L
22.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Audi Wimbledon

02038928034 *

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,895

2L
95.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

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

£18,999

Finance available £370 pm

2L
75.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SLF car sales

02038933675 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,988

3L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MQAS CARS LTD

01254946245 *

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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