Used BMW X3 Cars and Second Hand X3's for sale

The BMW X3 first appeared in the early 2000s as a Sport Activity Vehicle aimed at the younger affluent buyer who wanted a BMW. Considered to be one of the first "crossover" vehicles, it combined aspects of an SUV with some of the refinements of a luxury saloon. Debuting a new four-wheel drive system called the X-Drive, the car featured the ability to respond even before the driver sensed trouble.

The car was aimed at the Sport Utility Vehicle market, but was criticised for being built on a passenger-car platform, as well as lacking cruise control and automatic headlights. Many reviewers panned the car for its lack of styling, vinyl upholstery and abundance of plastic components in the interior, but the biggest complaint came regarding the car's harsh ride, which was something different from what was normally found in BMW cars.

In 2005 BMW put forth a redesigned X3, and in 2007 upgraded the engine, suspension, interior and bumpers.

2011 brought the second generation of the X3. In the United States the X3 is available with a 3 litre in-line six cylinder engine, and typically includes an aspirated engine or a turbocharger. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic in the United States, but the car can be purchased as either a manual or automatic in other markets around the world. BMW X3 sales have been steady since the introduction of the second generation.

Engines available include 2 and 3 litre diesel engines, and the transmissions available are the same eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Both new and nearly new BMW X3's, in whatever market, come with BMW's X-Drive all-wheel drive system.

An X3 CC (Cross Country) was successfully manufactured to be suitable for rally raid competitions and displayed massive potential in the Dakar Rally, the Central Europe Rally, and other similar races.