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 X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,809

Finance available £479 pm

2L
63.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AUTO ATLAS LIMITED

01525307127 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
109.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 3.0sd M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,200

Finance available £94 pm

3L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (23) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£35,990

Finance available £719 pm

2L
25.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lennox Auto Limited

02039484608 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
107.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Thomas Devlin Car Sales

02894338824 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,495

2L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

TheCarHouse.co.uk

01482249182 *

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£27,290

3L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Crewe SEAT

01270441045 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - XDRIVE20D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,999

Finance available £452 pm

2L
42.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns of Richmond

01748900654 *

BMW X32021 (71) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£25,700

Finance available £447 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,750

Finance available £263 pm

66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Country Lodge Cars

01594809269 *

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 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

£28,498

3L
52.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Glasgow South Street Vauxhall/Peugeot/Citroen/Vanstore

01414839940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£3,799

Finance available £63 pm

2L
122.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

FND Motors Limited

01917314481 *

BMW X32012 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,995

3L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Culloden Car Sales

01463216019 *

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

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£20,984

Finance available £411 pm

2L
81.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

TVS Cars Ltd

01746330685 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
6.0K
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

* 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