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.

971 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

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

£13,799

Finance available £269 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Aylesbury

01296320383 *

BMW X32020 (70) - xDrive20d M Sport (Tech Pack, Harman Kardon Sound, 360 Camera) 5-Door

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
66.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ray Chapman Motors York

01904237931 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£44,995

Finance available £904 pm

2L
12.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,999

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

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

Reduced

£17,995

Finance available £349 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

AVI DHIR CARS LIMITED TA AD Car Sales

01530441089 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,949

2L
23.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW X32013 (62) - sDrive18d M Sport 5dr

£3,495

2L
151.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

BMW X32023 - Xdrive20D Mht M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,999

2L
5.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 Xdrive20d M Sport 5DR 4x4 Diesel

Low Mileage

£23,489

Finance available £462 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Direct Cars Limited

01145510336 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
79.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Northampton Car Company

01604343638 *

BMW X32022 - Xdrive30E Xline 5-Door

£25,970

Finance available £558 pm

2L
61.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,495

Finance available £811 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
22.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A ONE MOTORS LTD

01143086574 *

BMW X32025 (62) - 2.0 20i SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,449

Finance available £256 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X3(68) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,700

56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

2L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,231

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£25,999

Finance available £514 pm

3L
73.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stonebridge Motor Company

01932687848 *

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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