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.

930 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,989

3L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£34,990

Finance available £698 pm

2L
24.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Savannah Cars Ltd

01702418484 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Pro Motor Salvage

01156977774 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

2L
11.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Citroen (Kilmarnock)

01563590306 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
117.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Auto Elite Retail LTD

01475600778 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£19,729

Finance available £406 pm

2L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GOMOTIVE LIMITED

01744419381 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)- 1 FORMER

£19,950

Finance available £389 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32013 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,399

3L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor44com

01538712252 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£22,449

Finance available £470 pm

2L
47.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
97.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Warwickshire Prestige Cars

02475105246 *

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

£23,722

Finance available £487 pm

2L
87.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
120.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Trade In Post

01709212006 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£43,898

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£9,995

2L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J C Motors

02890023666 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£24,295

Finance available £479 pm

2L
94.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Regency Cars

02891638493 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£5,995

2L
135.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

LRS Trade Cars

01206918829 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilltop Motors

01216618553 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£7,595

2L
56.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Express

07305693901 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£17,990

Finance available £349 pm

2L
112.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.7/5 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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