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.

883 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32022 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£26,352

31.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£45,084

3L
24.2K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£20,480

Finance available £400 pm

3L
71.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fort Southwick Internet Cars

02392004448 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£16,490

Finance available £346 pm

2L
109.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars Direct Peterborough Limited

01733971397 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,641

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32024 - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£46,150

Finance available £928 pm

2L
4.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,998

2L
53.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£56,995

Finance available £1,150 pm

2L
3.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£30,919

2L
17.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

£7,250

3L
112.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

East Kent Car Sales

01795502170 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SM Motors NI

02827440451 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,998

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,899

Finance available £534 pm

2L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£43,300

2L
9.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

HAMPTON CAR SALES LTD

01604340436 *

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£9,995

3L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cavendish UK Car Sales Limited

01787323385 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
132.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wixford Motor Company Ltd

01217525788 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NE cars ltd

01918142378 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,795

Finance available £345 pm

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

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