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.

877 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,521

Finance available £146 pm

2L
90.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

SR Motors

01793268063 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,537

Finance available £628 pm

2L
31.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE35D M SPORT - PANORAMIC SUNROOF -ENHANCED BLUETOOTH 5-Door

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

3L
78.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive30d M Sport 5-Door

£32,500

Finance available £647 pm

3L
38.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32023 (61) - xDrive35i M Sport 3.0i Automatic

Low Mileage

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32013 (13) - sDrive18d SE 5dr

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
127.4K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Ainsdale Car Centre

01704337328 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i M Competition SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (510 ps)

Reduced

£38,995

Finance available £781 pm

3L
42.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

CC Cars Ltd

01618048227 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

3L
69.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

S Moore Motors Ltd

02890023136 *

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Diamond Motor House Ltd

01134676305 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
120.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0d MHT M SPORT XDRIVE AUTO 4-Door

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
36.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

NI Car Sales Ltd

02838447728 *

BMW X32023 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£41,000

Finance available £822 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£7,665

Finance available £149 pm

2L
104.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eastside Motors

01217288688 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£42,995

Finance available £863 pm

2L
7.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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

Low Mileage

£23,999

2L
35.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Stockport

01615298284 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,888

Finance available £532 pm

2L
16.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£34,000

Finance available £678 pm

2L
15.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0i Competition Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£39,590

3L
54.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Howard Dean Car Sales Ltd

02038731433 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

Reduced

£14,900

Finance available £311 pm

3L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Great Yarmouth

01493806041 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£7,990

Finance available £156 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

5/5 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

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

Pros