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.

867 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition 80kWh 5dr Auto

£22,499

Finance available £480 pm

45.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£28,990

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport Auto 5-Door

£25,197

Finance available £519 pm

2L
51.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsupermarket.com Newcastle

01916070812 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£17,749

Finance available £344 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,498

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32012 - XDRIVE20D M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,999

Finance available £223 pm

2L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hafod Car Sales

01792344481 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

100

Low Mileage

£24,895

Finance available £556 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£28,491

2L
80.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

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

£9,890

Finance available £199 pm

2L
93.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32015 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£5,690

Finance available £105 pm

2L
101.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Junction 21 Motors

01934312906 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,750

2L
67.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

TheCarHouse.co.uk

01482249182 *

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

2L
57.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Catalina Of Stanningley

01134675328 *

BMW X32024 (24) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£40,483

2L
9.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James BMW Woolwich

02038928053 *

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,395

Finance available £188 pm

2L
72.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

My-motorcar.com

01554701580 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£46,898

2L
6.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (258 ps)

£7,500

3L
128.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

3.5/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£6,250

Finance available £117 pm

2L
118.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTyne

01916076035 *

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

Low Mileage

£11,850

Finance available £242 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Integrity Automotive Limited

01473907545 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,794

Finance available £129 pm

2L
116.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros