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.

993 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

Low Mileage

£20,500

Finance available £436 pm

2L
43.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32025 (74) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£50,307

2L
6.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu Motors Land Rover Taunton

01823218215 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,149

Finance available £616 pm

2L
32.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Burnley

01282504324 *

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

£26,499

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,500

Finance available £602 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,998

2L
52.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Aberdeen Hyundai / OMODA / JAECOO

01224907796 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,692

2L
28.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,600

Finance available £649 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£17,000

Finance available £329 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32025 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£55,950

2L
9.6K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£9,599

3L
87.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor44com

01538712252 *

BMW X32021 (71) - X3 xDrive30d xLine 5-Door

£30,000

3L
39.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32011 - XDRIVE20d SE 5-Door

£5,000

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NSK Car Sales Ltd

02382544930 *

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£19,950

Finance available £389 pm

2L
90.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Rix Motors

01925917564 *

BMW X32022 (71) - X3 xDrive30e xLine 5-Door

£28,211

2L
51.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£32,617

2L
18.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£26,995

Finance available £534 pm

2L
57.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,498

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Motorstore (Leeds Roseville Road)

01134689402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,999

Finance available £657 pm

2L
32.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Ipswich

01473354033 *

BMW X32018 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,990

3L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jaguar Basingstoke

01256587059 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.

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* 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.