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.

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£43,384

2L
6.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

£24,139

Finance available £486 pm

2L
55.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Halesowen

01217525895 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£12,250

Finance available £251 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Zeus Cars Limited

01234237525 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,449

Finance available £579 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Stockton-On-Tees

01642937531 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,495

Finance available £359 pm

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

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

Reduced

£27,800

Finance available £497 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£47,250

2L
9.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£13,490

Finance available £279 pm

2L
68.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Denovan Motor Co Ltd

01786232417 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32005 - i SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,990

2.5L
109.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

DVP Car Sales Ltd

02039484651 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,450

Finance available £564 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,995

Finance available £616 pm

2L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,459

Finance available £465 pm

2L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

3L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,050

Finance available £548 pm

3L
30.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,700

Finance available £586 pm

2L
25.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£54,900

Finance available £1,107 pm

3L
9.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£2,450

3L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Munich Performance LTD

01280733608 *

BMW X32011 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [2011-11] BLUE

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

3L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MK Motors

01494296041 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,950

Finance available £595 pm

2L
34.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,490

2L
101.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

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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