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.

919 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£27,470

Finance available £591 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Diesel Estate

£49,998

2L
8.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

100

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£22,990

Finance available £452 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Amanah Prestige Limited

02038235352 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

£3,700

2L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MIDLANDS AUTOHAUS LIMITED

01164646024 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£29,500

Finance available £529 pm

2L
38.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,299

Finance available £619 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

BMW X32022 (72) - X3 M40d 5-Door

£42,039

3L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£20,695

Finance available £405 pm

2L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£51,898

3L
14.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,749

Finance available £426 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£44,750

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£31,600

Finance available £629 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£24,999

Finance available £520 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

£37,255

2L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£30,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32023 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£40,400

Finance available £809 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£8,495

2L
112.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars4You Ltd (Straiton)

01665660510 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£21,479

Finance available £444 pm

2L
57.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 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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