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.

933 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£31,000

2L
32.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£7,260

Finance available £140 pm

2L
106.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Westbrook Car Sales

01733794312 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,898

2L
29.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,500

Finance available £442 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£32,549

2L
23.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£47,150

Finance available £948 pm

2L
9.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
118.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beadlow Motors Ltd

01462559053 *

BMW X32011 - 20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

ACE MOTOR VEHICLE LTD

01913001935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,581

Finance available £469 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto Electric Estate

Low Mileage

£28,000

24.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
64.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,725

Finance available £405 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£43,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£9,495

3L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£17,195

Finance available £333 pm

2L
39.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Easy Carz

01582211012 *

BMW X32023 - 3.0 M40d MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£45,495

Finance available £934 pm

3L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Preston Audi

01772285533 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

3L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

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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