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 X32023 (23) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£41,500

Finance available £832 pm

2L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£34,902

2L
29.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr [177] SPARES OR REPAIR

£1,295

2L
192.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Craven Cars Limited

01279219583 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,975

Finance available £533 pm

2L
39.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£27,800

Finance available £503 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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 X32015 - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,795

Finance available £264 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

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

£18,000

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,795

Finance available £174 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

GMC 2000

01134680586 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6

£17,899

Finance available £347 pm

3L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rangebrook Limited

01926352097 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
11.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£7,599

Finance available £147 pm

2L
125.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Boston Car Centre

07470022010 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,991

2L
101.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (61) - 3.0 30d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,735

Finance available £150 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£48,501

3L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Cambridge

01223608732 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£12,895

Finance available £287 pm

3L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£29,209

3L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volvo Derby

01332318472 *

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

3L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£44,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£48,990

3L
16.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

AutoSportiva Ltd

01732443577 *

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