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.

985 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,495

£115/pm (HP)

2L
88.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Motor Deals Limited

01782529078 *

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£14,195

£277/pm (HP)

2L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,990

£294/pm (HP)

2L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoVenue LTD

01633747902 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£67,500

£1,000/pm (PCP)

3L
12.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Estate

JRS Commercials & Cars

02887441404 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,898

3L
18.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

BMW X32021 - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

£33,250

£578/pm (PCP)

3L
49.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Saxtons

01245202306 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£16,395

£323/pm (HP)

2L
97.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motors Deals Ltd

01612416399 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,990

£398/pm (PCP)

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

George O'Hara Motors

02877440245 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,620

£404/pm (PCP)

2L
33.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254961071 *

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Reduced

£34,925

£488/pm (PCP)

2L
20.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - XDRIVE20I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,100

£455/pm (PCP)

2L
33.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,210

£214/pm (HP)

2L
87.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SMS Motors

01144786434 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,200

£464/pm (HP)

2L
48.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World West Malling

01732444460 *

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,400

£561/pm (PCP)

3L
48.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

GS Car Centre Ltd

01772348161 *

4.9/5 Stars

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

£25,400

£435/pm (PCP)

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carworld Supermarket

01733794246 *

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

Low Mileage

£34,299

2L
21.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

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

£18,489

£421/pm (PCP)

2L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Yorkshire Vehicle Solutions Harrogate Ltd

01423648648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£66,750

3L
3.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,495

£115/pm (HP)

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Motor Mania

01614700093 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,109

£86/pm (HP)

2L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

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

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

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.

* 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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Third Generation (2017 to 2017)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

985 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32017 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32023 - xDrive X3 M Competition 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32023 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32021 - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

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

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

BMW X32021 - XDRIVE20I M SPORT 5-Door

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

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

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

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

BMW X32025 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Why buy a used BMW X3?

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

BMW X3 video review

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Different generations of used BMW X3

Third Generation (2017 to 2017)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Used BMW X3 FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?