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Is a used BMW X3 a good buy?
The BMW X3 is a premium SUV that rivals the likes of the Audi Q5, the popular Mercedes GLC and the excellent Volvo XC60. It’s a popular car with a lot of appeal, but there are still plenty of great nearly new and used BMW X3 deals to be had right here on BuyaCar.
While all of these upmarket SUVs are comfortable, practical and full of technology, the BMW X3 is one of the most comfortable models of its type, as well as being good to drive. This means it’s one of the best choices if you want a smooth, quiet and upmarket family SUV.
There’s a small but impressive range of engines to pick from, including a plug-in hybrid that’s well-suited to city drivers. There's also lots of room inside for the family. The rear seats have more than enough space for adults, so kids won’t have any cause for complaint while the boot is easily big enough for a holiday trip as well.
The interior is suitably upmarket given the BMW X3’s cost, with all the latest technology including an impressive media system and online services.
Which used BMW X3 should you buy?
The BMW X3 is a practical SUV with a high quality interior, so makes a fine family car. Most used examples are diesel or diesel hybrid models and these make the most sense in terms of running costs.
There are no alternative body styles for the BMW X3, though there is the closely related BMW X4 with its sloping roofline at the rear and sportier image, but very similar mechanical parts. There is also a very fast and expensive variant called the BMW X3 M Competition, but this is considered as a standalone high-performance model.
What used BMW X3 trim levels are available?
The cheapest BMW X3 models are the entry-level BMW X3 SE versions but on the used market the M Sport far more popular, making it a better choice.
BMW X3 SE
The entry-level BMW X3 SE was available from about £42,000 when new, though the trim was dropped toward the end of 2021 as part of a minor update to the X3 range.
There are just four engines available for the BMW X3 SE, though they are well-thought-out and cover all the bases. The base xDrive20i petrol is a good all-round choice, then there’s the frugal xDrive20d diesel, the smooth and punchy xDrive30d six-cylinder diesel and then the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e. All are automatic-only.
The BMW X3 SE versions come with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, plus adaptive LED headlights, aluminium roof rails, auto-dimming mirrors and ambient lighting.
On the inside there are leather seats, a display screen on the dash with sat-nav including online services and traffic information, a reversing camera, three-zone climate control and a power-operated tailgate.
BMW X3 XLine
The BMW X3 xLine is the next specification after SE, and it costs from around £44,000 when new. It has been available with all the same engines as SE, but if you're looking at the updated models on 71-plates or newer, you'll be looking at the 2.0-litre 2.0i and 2.0d engines or the 30e plug-in hybrid.
As with many BMW trim levels, it’s mainly focused on cosmetic upgrades. The 19-inch alloy wheels you get are one example, and you also get aluminium exterior trim pieces, sill trims and a slightly different grille look.
Some of the kit is useful, meanwhile, such as underbody protection for off-roading, sports seats and LED foglights.
BMW X3 M Sport
The popularity of the high-spec BMW X3 M Sport trim means that it’s subject to some great deals here on BuyaCar. These versions cost from around £46,000 upwards when new and are available with the same engines as the lesser models above. For the refreshed version, this is the only trim you can get the 30d engine with.
M Sport comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, upgraded technology including a large 10.3-inch display screen on the dash and a digital screen instead of traditional dials. M Sport also adds sporty suspension that helps the X3 to offer a sharper drive.
There’s a different look on the outside thanks to upgraded bumpers, black roof rails and black trim pieces, for example around the windows.
BMW X3 M40i and M40d
If you want a powerful engine in your BMW X3 then you’ll want to look at the BMW X3 M40i and M40d versions. These have their own trim level and these engines aren’t available in other specifications.
The M40i model has a six-cylinder petrol engine with 360hp and can go from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. The M40d model is a six-cylinder diesel engine with 340hp and covers 0-62mph in the same time. However, the M40d is more economical, as it returns 40mpg according to WLTP testing, while the M40i can only manage just over 30mpg.
No matter which model you go for, you get all the equipment of the M Sport level, plus 21-inch alloy wheels, grey trim pieces, tuned steering and upgraded suspension to improve roadholding.