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.

937 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£36,224

2L
12.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£33,149

Finance available £704 pm

2L
31.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Widnes

01518322225 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,999

Finance available £569 pm

2L
22.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

BMW X32025 - Xdrive20 M Sport 5Dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£51,999

Finance available £1,048 pm

2L
2.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Lookers Stafford BMW

01785569200 *

BMW X32023 (73) - 3.0 M40I MHEV 5d 355 BHP 5-Door

Low Mileage

£50,991

3L
13.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
Estate

Newton & Lee Automotive Ltd

01207263738 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£69,450

3L
2.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,750

Finance available £467 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£20,500

Finance available £436 pm

2L
43.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,650

Finance available £383 pm

3L
102.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Alverstoke Automotive LTD

01902290499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£10,995

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Moyway Motors

02887441322 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,995

3L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilltop Motors

01216618553 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,990

2L
101.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Carmichael Cars

02890023196 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£54,490

2L
8.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£27,500

Finance available £580 pm

2L
32.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,490

2L
31.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£40,995

Finance available £822 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£13,990

Finance available £290 pm

3L
78.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DEALDRIVE MOTORS LTD

01642967680 *

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh Auto 5-Door

£19,697

70.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£30,150

Finance available £599 pm

2L
30.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.

View guides

* 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.