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.

952 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

PLANETMOTORZ LTD

01215160815 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,290

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,495

Finance available £234 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Vise Ltd

02039467655 *

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

£24,800

Finance available £521 pm

2L
51.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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

£20,000

Finance available £433 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,257

2L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,799

2L
113.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,795

Finance available £219 pm

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,750

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,699

Finance available £563 pm

2L
22.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£33,495

2L
11.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
28.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (57) - 3.0sd M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£3,495

3L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,898

2L
20.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Swansea

01414839956 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 X32021 (71) - X3 xDrive30d xLine 5-Door

£30,000

3L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
48.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

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

Reduced

£6,750

3L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 3.0 X3 M Competition Edition Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£48,990

3L
21.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AutoSportiva Ltd

01732443577 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,484

Finance available £380 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

New Street Car Centre

01952967003 *

4.5/5 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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* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.