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.

978 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech-Plus Pk]

£32,149

Finance available £682 pm

3L
49.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

Low Mileage

£26,899

Finance available £532 pm

2L
19.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£27,676

Finance available £536 pm

2L
23.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Grimsby

01472806810 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£19,500

Finance available £380 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,898

2L
4.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,000

2L
7.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Kings Lynn (BMW)

01553601557 *

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

£15,994

Finance available £335 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£46,949

Finance available £944 pm

2L
3.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32013 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£13,495

3L
59.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£11,295

2L
88.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The World of Cars

02475105174 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£34,695

3L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£11,500

Finance available £235 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Coventry Sterling Motors

02475103850 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£23,589

2L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Goole

01405800945 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£48,450

Finance available £975 pm

2L
6.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW X32018 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

£19,295

Finance available £376 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,496

Finance available £791 pm

2L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,775

3L
100.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Imperial Autos

01494311379 *

BMW X32021 - x3 M40d M PRO EDITION (INDIVIDUAL PAINT, SAT NAV, 4X SERVICES & MAXTON KIT) 5-Door

Reduced

£40,785

3L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Brooklands Motor Centres

01135321282 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£22,800

Finance available £477 pm

2L
70.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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.