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.

973 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£44,990

Finance available £904 pm

3L
13.0K
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Hybrid
Automatic
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Cars to Go

01202099943 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

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£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

3L
42.5K
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Petrol
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Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

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£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

2L
39.2K
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Easy Carz

01582211012 *

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

£27,000

2L
58.2K
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Hybrid
Automatic
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drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,990

3L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
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Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
82.6K
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Diesel
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Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

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£23,995

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2L
53.0K
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Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

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

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£47,400

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2L
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Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,898

2L
33.1K
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Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
38.5K
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Diesel
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Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

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£20,725

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3L
74.0K
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Diesel
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JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£51,898

3L
14.0K
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Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

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£25,000

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2L
38.5K
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Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32019 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,795

Finance available £530 pm

2L
38.5K
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Diesel
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Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (

Low Mileage

£9,995

2L
63.5K
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Diesel
Manual
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Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£31,800

Finance available £688 pm

2L
3.7K
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Diesel
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Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32015 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
57.6K
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Diesel
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Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£49,498

3L
11.0K
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Diesel
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Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

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£20,490

2L
90.0K
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Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,799

2L
105.3K
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Diesel
Semi Auto
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Crown Car Sales Limited

01639501145 *

3.5/5 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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