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.

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£43,999

2L
4.1K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,889

Finance available £388 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£19,495

Finance available £380 pm

2L
99.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorology

01515417934 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£29,176

Finance available £604 pm

2L
23.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (7S) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,999

2L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
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HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32016 (65) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£12,900

Finance available £266 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Global prestige vehicles ltd

02039467618 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,995

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Trust UK Bury

01612416386 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,499

3L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AL PRESTIGE CARS LTD

02380017157 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,699

Finance available £628 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Castleford

01977800692 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Isaac Motors

01792952517 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£24,699

Finance available £519 pm

2L
37.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Oldbury

01217525220 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,000

Finance available £481 pm

2L
31.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,995

Finance available £635 pm

2L
34.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£43,799

2L
7.2K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£27,991

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 3.0 30d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,290

Finance available £163 pm

3L
135.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,898

2L
21.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£35,500

Finance available £649 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Reduced

£6,695

Finance available £127 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Parkgate Auto Solutions

02890026882 *

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.

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

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Drivetrain

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

940 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

BMW X32018 (7S) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

BMW X32016 (65) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech-Plus Pack]

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

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

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32014 (64) - 3.0 30d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

BMW X32023 (73) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Why buy a used BMW X3?

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Author: Jack Evans

Pros

Cons

BMW X3 video review

Used BMW X3 buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Practicality

Safety

Technology

Search used BMW X3 by type

Find a specific BMW X3

Shop by Trim

Shop by Body Style

Shop by Engine Size

Shop by Fuel Type

Shop by Transmission

Shop by Colour

Shop by Registration Year

Shop by Drivetrain

Different generations of used BMW X3

Third Generation (2017 to 2024)

Second Generation (2010 to 2017)

Used BMW X3 FAQ's

Which is the most popular engine in the BMW X3?

Which are the most popular trim levels?

What optional extras should I look out for?

Is the BMW X3 a good family car?

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW X3?

Is the BMW X3 available as an automatic?

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for