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 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 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

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

£16,195

2L
143.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Stoke

01782432972 *

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

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SELECT CARS & COMMERCIALS

01582280231 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

2L
106.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,499

2L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32022 - X3 M40i M Pro Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£48,000

Finance available £966 pm

3L
13.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£32,500

Finance available £601 pm

2L
38.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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

Reduced

£11,695

Finance available £239 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Aspire Automotive Limited

01268219722 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 18d SE sDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,392

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£7,895

Finance available £154 pm

3L
113.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Autohub Northampton

01604343474 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£45,898

3L
23.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£32,368

2L
42.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£30,000

2L
14.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

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 X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Semi-Auto

£19,914

2L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Bristol - Cribbs Causeway

01173320497 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,600

Finance available £513 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£25,349

Finance available £528 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01473356705 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,850

2L
53.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Peoples Ford Prescot

01515590435 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
144.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

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