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.

883 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
88.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Chelmsford City Cars Limited

01245206461 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£41,949

Finance available £841 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£21,795

Finance available £455 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£20,200

Finance available £394 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32012 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M & L CAR SALES LIMITED

01733666831 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - 2.0 20d M Sport Suv 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

£24,645

2L
52.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

EMG Motor Group Huntingdon

01480597486 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 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 X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£40,209

2L
5.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£25,900

Finance available £497 pm

2L
55.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£41,995

Finance available £842 pm

2L
13.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 sDrive18d M Sport 5-Door

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
109.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Automotion Vehicle Sales

01752987252 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

3L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£38,998

2L
14.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 30e M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,800

2L
63.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto Electric Estate

Low Mileage

£28,000

24.3K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Reduced

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Outlet

01322949481 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£19,749

Finance available £406 pm

2L
75.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£6,499

Finance available £123 pm

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW X32004 (04) - 3.0i Sport Auto 4WD Euro 3 5dr

£1,995

3L
169.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Car Zone

01753968048 *

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