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.

945 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£33,500

Finance available £570 pm

3L
47.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,999

2L
11.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£54,990

2L
3.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£29,034

Finance available £479 pm

2L
46.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Gloucester

01452227227 *

BMW X32025 (74) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£49,349

2L
5.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£7,290

Finance available £185 pm

2L
99.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,222

Finance available £184 pm

2L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Class Auto Ltd

01254947714 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,752

Finance available £555 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,000

Finance available £583 pm

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 82203 5-Door

£22,975

2L
49.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32025 (74) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£50,111

2L
2.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (61) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £236 pm

2L
78.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

IMV Motors Ltd

01217525794 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

£27,999

Finance available £467 pm

2L
42.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£21,100

Finance available £378 pm

2L
61.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.5i SE 5dr

£1,499

2.5L
164.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

Cheap Cars and Vans

02039475176 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£38,495

Finance available £693 pm

2L
48.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 20i xLine SUV 2.0 Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£19,999

2L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£34,350

Finance available £574 pm

2L
25.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech/Plus Pk]

Low Mileage

£34,241

33.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

Marshall Audi Bexley

02038895332 *

BMW X32013 (2E) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£7,995

Finance available £233 pm

2L
106.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cattedown Trade Centre

01752426030 *

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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