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 X32018 - XDRIVE20D M SPORT 5DR STEP AUTO

Low Mileage

£23,486

2L
49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Brayley Nissan Altrincham

01616720399 *

BMW X32013 (62) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,995

2L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Peachwood Cars

01205335099 *

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

£23,595

Finance available £464 pm

44.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,725

Finance available £405 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,995

Finance available £1,027 pm

2L
10.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) - AUTO PARK

Low Mileage

£20,988

Finance available £429 pm

2L
45.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bolton

01204323445 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£25,652

2L
41.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5Dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,349

Finance available £500 pm

2L
43.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,799

2L
43.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

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

£19,988

Finance available £390 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Auto Group

02037808971 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - Xdrive20d M Sport Auto 0-Door

£24,499

2L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32009 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MOORGATE AUTOS LTD

01614139835 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,800

Finance available £565 pm

2L
30.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£21,300

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto 4WD 5dr

£5,750

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stenhouse Car Sales

01414069612 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,499

2L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

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

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£19,699

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,990

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

CARIZMO LTD

01618042346 *

0/5 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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