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.

980 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£19,490

Finance available £380 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AJ Motors

01422412382 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£32,562

2L
18.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

Low Mileage

£31,999

2L
24.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Browns of Richmond

01748900788 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,690

2L
66.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - X3 xDrive30d xLine 5-Door

£30,000

3L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,990

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)-Factory Extra

Low Mileage

£32,600

Finance available £649 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,882

2L
40.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Mercedes-Benz of Portsmouth

02394218048 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£29,450

Finance available £584 pm

2L
34.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X3(20) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£30,495

30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Tangelo Used Cars Plymouth

01752429735 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,999

2L
7.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Derby

01332318252 *

BMW X32016 (58) - xDrive35d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

3L
56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Cars and Vans

02476930879 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,998

2L
23.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,498

2L
45.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Southampton

01414839954 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,599

3L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor44com

01538712252 *

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW X32025 - Xdrive20 M Sport 5Dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£51,999

Finance available £1,048 pm

2L
2.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Dmac Motors Ltd

02882440436 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£3,999

2L
149.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

New Whip UK Ltd

01733830409 *

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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