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.

1,065 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£27,110

£439/pm (PCP)

2L
35.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,795

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,599

£170/pm (HP)

3L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Red Sparrow Limited

02382027793 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£36,100

£589/pm (PCP)

2L
24.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32010 (60) - 2l 5d AUTO 181 BHP 5-Door

£17,549

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,126

3L
12.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£22,495

£435/pm (PCP)

2L
62.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Hamptons of Surrey

01252414849 *

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

Reduced

£31,000

£512/pm (PCP)

2L
29.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32020 (70) - M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Low Mileage

£46,449

£791/pm (PCP)

3L
25.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,495

£257/pm (HP)

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

The Wee Motor Company

01592800981 *

BMW X32020 - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,450

£601/pm (CS)

3L
30.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saxtons

01245202306 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,995

£465/pm (PCP)

3L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

£25,195

£506/pm (PCP)

3L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

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

Reduced

£19,000

£370/pm (HP)

2L
110.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

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

£36,295

2L
23.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20i SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,495

£346/pm (HP)

2L
65.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Bedford Cars

01234987608 *

BMW X32016 - XDRIVE20D SE 5-Door

£11,499

£235/pm (HP)

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bexhill Motors Eastbourne

01323403942 *

BMW X32023 - Xdrive M40I Mht 5Dr Auto

Low Mileage

£46,999

£807/pm (PCP)

3L
18.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stoke-on-Trent BMW

01782917219 *

BMW X32018 (68) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£17,990

£349/pm (HP)

2L
104.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

£19,251

£345/pm (PCP)

2L
90.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

PRO AUTOCARS LTD

01256587054 *

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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* 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.