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.

936 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
105.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£10,499

Finance available £212 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£49,950

2L
4.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,950

Finance available £88 pm

2L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

XA Cars Ltd

01753989177 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 sDrive18d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SG MOTORHOUSE LTD

01992669367 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW X32023 (23) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£38,990

2L
23.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Harwoods of Sussex

01798301132 *

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

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
117.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Otho Cars Ltd

01612415925 *

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

Reduced

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,200

Finance available £459 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,445

Finance available £461 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,750

Finance available £285 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,498

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (04) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£995

2.5L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ash Motors

01494977763 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32005 (05) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£2,795

3L
97.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cloverlay Car Sales Limited Rainham

01634564271 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps) - LEATHER - HEATE

Low Mileage

£35,767

Finance available £730 pm

3L
22.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

2L
65.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

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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