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 X32012 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT STEP AUTOMATIC 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £524 pm

2L
47.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carwhinley Cars

01228276697 *

BMW X3(74) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£51,989

2.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

Blackstone Motors Ltd

02037803430 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£21,995

Finance available £485 pm

2L
58.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodman Motor Company

01253204853 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,298

2L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£12,999

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Sea Ltd

02039537442 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£44,043

3L
17.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£35,200

Finance available £596 pm

2L
13.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£42,898

2L
11.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,498

2L
12.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill Vauxhall / Peugeot / Leapmo

01312025858 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,899

Finance available £250 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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

£24,700

Finance available £387 pm

2L
50.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

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

Low Mileage

£14,000

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

3L
89.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

HD AUTOS SHEFFIELD

01144786507 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£27,495

Finance available £419 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

West Motor Company Ltd

02039467787 *

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

£21,970

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£21,450

Finance available £367 pm

3L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Windmill Autos Ltd

01767661305 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£22,300

Finance available £357 pm

2L
71.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,990

Finance available £500 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

3L
166.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carmatchedcom Ltd

01843269632 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£22,995

2L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motortrust UK Garstang

01942365158 *

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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