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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,998

2L
10.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Thurrock

01416118466 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£11,980

Finance available £245 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pitstop Motors

02890023745 *

BMW X32011 (61) - 3.0 30d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£8,950

Finance available £178 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cambridgeshire Motor House LTD

01733666971 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,500

Finance available £190 pm

2L
108.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

The Car Hub (Midlands)

01623703437 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£33,500

Finance available £668 pm

2L
26.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Rood End Cars

01217525761 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£41,585

2L
3.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Yeovil

01935311780 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£28,685

2L
29.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£22,498

2L
64.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Warrington Motorstore/Renault/Dacia/Vanstore

01925917350 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

100

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

K and A Cars Ltd

01753291084 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£30,495

Finance available £646 pm

2L
34.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,099

Finance available £317 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,500

Finance available £531 pm

2L
16.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32014 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

RB Cars

01989551050 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

3L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£44,898

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,950

Finance available £410 pm

2L
71.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ballinderry Car Sales Limited

02892441046 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,803

2L
15.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,950

Finance available £636 pm

2L
45.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SELECT CARS & COMMERCIALS

01582280231 *

BMW X32022 - 80kWh Premier Edition Pro Auto 5dr

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

55.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Sturgess of Leicester

01162165741 *

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