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.

979 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,989

3L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32025 - Xdrive 30E M Sport 5Dr Auto

£45,999

Finance available £1,113 pm

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
45.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,890

2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 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
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,977

Finance available £472 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Best Car Ltd

01580232496 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,679

2L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,999

Finance available £447 pm

2L
44.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£26,499

28.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£20,480

Finance available £400 pm

3L
76.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fort Southwick Internet Cars

02392004448 *

4.6/5 Stars

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
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - Xdrive M40I 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,620

3L
47.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Crewe BMW

01270443380 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£26,991

Finance available £534 pm

3L
54.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Daniel Alexander Motor Group

01482296165 *

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

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,500

2L
187.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Multi Choice Cars

02038934220 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£34,898

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,650

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MK CITY CARS LTD

01908048974 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£50,999

2L
2.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£43,695

3L
28.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 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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