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.

955 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£28,500

2L
37.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,250

Finance available £296 pm

2L
74.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Alverstoke Automotive LTD

01902290499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£45,506

2L
8.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,490

Finance available £811 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Chesterfield

01246388445 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,342

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£16,295

2L
101.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

BMW X32021 - 3.0 X3 M Competition Edition Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£47,450

Finance available £954 pm

3L
29.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

torquepoint

01908765737 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

£19,295

Finance available £376 pm

2L
83.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phoenix Car Centre

01962670197 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 35d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£10,490

3L
115.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Keywise Cars Ltd

01392344397 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£31,800

Finance available £674 pm

2L
30.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

2L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£54,499

Finance available £1,099 pm

3L
6.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Doncaster

01302203473 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£34,998

2L
31.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (West Calder)

01506533740 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

2L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

BMW X32021 - i 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£27,748

26.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech Pack] 5-Door

£24,476

Finance available £503 pm

2L
57.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£23,401

Finance available £511 pm

3L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£39,550

Finance available £792 pm

2L
13.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

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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* 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.