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.

981 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,950

Finance available £536 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£37,895

2L
22.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,199

Finance available £206 pm

2L
111.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Saver Motors

01919333978 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,999

3L
103.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr Automatic

£20,595

2L
59.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Tech Pack] - DRIVING ASSISTANT - AUTO PARK - R

£36,792

Finance available £584 pm

2L
19.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Towcester

01327221488 *

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

£11,420

Finance available £233 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Blue Sky Motors Ltd

02038731418 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£36,450

Finance available £605 pm

2L
21.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,998

2L
48.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,250

Finance available £469 pm

2L
34.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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 X32020 (70) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,411

2L
54.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Chesterfield Jeep

01246388132 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£11,599

Finance available £237 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

£39,197

Finance available £591 pm

2L
21.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Preston

01772285529 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,199

Finance available £608 pm

3L
36.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 18d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (143 ps)

Low Mileage

£5,500

2L
97.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (62) - 2.0 20i SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,449

Finance available £256 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£34,303

Finance available £556 pm

2L
17.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Mountsorrel

01162165589 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

£19,797

Finance available £403 pm

2L
80.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,895

Finance available £538 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Manchester

01618048254 *

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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