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.

871 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£30,810

2L
57.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,998

2L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,998

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Salford Vauxhall/Fiat/Abarth/MG/Jeep

01612417060 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£46,232

3L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£33,995

Finance available £678 pm

2L
46.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Greg Mitchell Motors

02881440365 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,795

Finance available £571 pm

3L
73.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DERWENT MOTORS LTD

01332414504 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,298

45.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark St Helens Renault / Dacia / Vanstore

01744419406 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£30,500

Finance available £554 pm

2L
38.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40i MHT Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

3L
32.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Zanouchi Group Limited

01204939533 *

0/5 Stars

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

£11,994

Finance available £246 pm

2L
98.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BVG Automotive

01618048253 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£25,498

2L
34.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr Kia

01292434388 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Vise Ltd

02039467655 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

£26,795

Finance available £530 pm

3L
74.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RallySport Automotive Limited

01206489764 *

BMW X32015 (3M) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,749

Finance available £542 pm

2L
34.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW X32008 (57) - 2.0d SE SUV 5dr Diesel, AUTOMATIC, SERVICE HISTORY

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
135.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Autopoint (Stansted) Ltd

01279212477 *

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

Low Mileage

£7,521

Finance available £146 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

KPH SYKEHOUSE LTD TA Priory Motors

01405801107 *

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

* 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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros