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.

977 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Reduced

£21,500

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Atlas Autos Ltd

01206987248 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
86.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hynes Motors

02890023625 *

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

£12,999

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Sea Ltd

02039537442 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£7,489

Finance available £145 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32022 - 210KW M SPORT 80KWH 5DR AUTO

£26,297

35.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Brayley Nissan Altrincham

01616720399 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£38,999

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£41,498

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

West Motor Company Ltd

02039467787 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£30,401

Finance available £670 pm

2L
15.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,987

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20i M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

2L
71.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£51,316

2L
4.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,998

2L
48.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£8,295

2L
96.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,990

2L
5.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 2.5i Sport Auto 4WD Euro 3 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,490

2.5L
138.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

STORMFORCE LIMITED

01515417919 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,746

Finance available £382 pm

2L
92.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,300

2L
65.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JC Select Perth

01738501971 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

£26,476

Finance available £512 pm

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

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
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre Ltd

01902544596 *

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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