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 X3(18) - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£28,990

25.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£11,999

Finance available £246 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

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

£24,500

Finance available £436 pm

2L
55.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

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 X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£23,999

Finance available £514 pm

2L
44.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,995

3L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£43,912

3L
8.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£27,995

Finance available £555 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Abbey Autos Glengormley

02890021961 *

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

Low Mileage

£12,299

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Quality Cars Hub Ltd

02037636622 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,750

Finance available £550 pm

2L
23.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Harrogate

01422413949 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,849

Finance available £632 pm

2L
20.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Portsmouth

02382146197 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,500

3L
187.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW X3(68) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,495

64.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Pavillion Car Sales - Brighton

01273095269 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,000

3L
65.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JC Select Edinburgh

01312877260 *

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£9,999

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorplus Car Supermarket

01633742350 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£43,684

2L
6.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£18,995

2L
49.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spencers Car Sales

01603931848 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,299

2L
41.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

£26,339

Finance available £549 pm

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01224453394 *

4.2/5 Stars

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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.