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.

946 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£15,989

Finance available £335 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

£9,995

2L
114.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,500

2L
76.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JC Select Perth

01738501971 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 30D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,490

3L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,588

2L
44.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,791

2L
81.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

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

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,600

Finance available £464 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - Xdrive 30E M Sport 5Dr Auto

£45,349

Finance available £911 pm

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

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

£20,199

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

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

£16,795

Finance available £353 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Quay

01283244020 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£19,599

Finance available £382 pm

2L
84.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
57.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,000

2L
42.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Gateshead Metrocentre Mazda

01916071534 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,396

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£50,525

2L
3.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,790

2L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall SKODA Reading

01182078976 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech-Plus Pk]

£32,149

Finance available £682 pm

3L
49.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

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.

View guides

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