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.

904 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X3(69) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,795

Finance available £489 pm

60.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Low Mileage

£26,649

2L
37.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Chingford

02039104754 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£46,998

3L
16.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Fiat / Abarth (Falkirk)

01324465358 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£32,500

3L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £466 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,949

Finance available £677 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

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

£11,480

Finance available £234 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wembley Prestige Cars

02037803372 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 81258 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,304

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£9,795

3L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,494

Finance available £145 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

3L
140.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car2Car Ltd

01403331222 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chase Lane Motors

01702904126 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£33,900

2L
15.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Southcott Specialist Cars

01579550846 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£25,049

Finance available £526 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) - SUN PROT

Low Mileage

£23,924

Finance available £481 pm

2L
47.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (04) - 3.0i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£1,095

3L
128.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

CorfeMullen Tyres and Car Sales

01202099860 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,495

2L
96.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,495

Finance available £100 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

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

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.

View guides

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros