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.

938 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,989

Finance available £452 pm

2L
60.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stirling Cars Ltd

01992661749 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£23,895

3L
52.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu Honda Grantham

01476852552 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodhouse Mill Car Sales

01144789348 *

BMW X32023 (23) - 3.0i Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Low Mileage

£62,999

Finance available £1,274 pm

3L
14.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

webuycarsformore com

01918144196 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 82203 5-Door

£23,534

2L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32022 - Xdrive20I Xline Mhev 5-Door

£27,620

Finance available £595 pm

2L
35.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32014 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,795

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Graham Mitchell Automotive

01202037612 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,291

26.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Estate

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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

£22,000

Finance available £460 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£32,498

2L
32.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Mallusk Auto Centre

02890023123 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32011 - 2.5 X3 4WD 5dr

£9,995

3L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

We Love Car Group

01372230638 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] 5-Door

£38,197

Finance available £748 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£23,886

Finance available £522 pm

2L
56.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Weston

01934313340 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,200

Finance available £530 pm

2L
53.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£48,898

3L
6.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£25,991

2L
64.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack] - KEYLESS START - SPORTS SEATS

Low Mileage

£25,798

Finance available £532 pm

2L
33.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,550

2L
7.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

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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