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.

905 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE20D STEP M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,999

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hendy Car Store Portsmouth

02392006087 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - XDRIVE 20D SE 5-Door

Reduced

£9,990

Finance available £201 pm

2L
82.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Roydens Ltd

01795503963 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£42,651

2L
6.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto BLACK BMW SERVICE HISTORY X3M

£24,295

Finance available £479 pm

3L
98.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Motor Wise

01673268382 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£3,999

Finance available £67 pm

2L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Karhouse

01494291900 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£45,850

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,995

Finance available £357 pm

3L
55.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Select Cars Countrywide Limited

01392537679 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,949

Finance available £656 pm

3L
40.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,699

Finance available £203 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

WIGAN VEHICLE SOLUTIONS LIMITED

01942918522 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,495

2L
99.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Birchwood Motor Centre

01708932573 *

BMW X32011 (61) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto Diesel Automatic 4x4 4wd

Low Mileage

£8,750

Finance available £173 pm

2L
96.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chartwell Suffolk Ltd

01787326839 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,990

2L
43.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32018 - 81258 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,220

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,199

Finance available £464 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Norwich

01332419206 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 35I M SPORT 3.0 AUTO xDRIVE EURO 5 SUV 5-Door

Low Mileage

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

3L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

KLAW MOTORS

02039537452 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Low Mileage

£36,200

Finance available £711 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) Automa

Reduced

£25,395

Finance available £501 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wimbledon Carriage Co

02039104722 *

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.

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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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros