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.

935 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£38,898

2L
29.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£42,898

2L
11.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£25,220

Finance available £541 pm

2L
50.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

£4,998

2L
136.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stenhouse Car Sales

01414069612 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,523

27.1K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
Estate

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Low Mileage

£31,500

Finance available £668 pm

2L
12.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£38,995

Finance available £849 pm

3L
20.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorvogue Hyundai Dunstable

01582342205 *

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

£11,900

Finance available £244 pm

2L
85.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

£25,820

3L
69.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leamington Spa

01926569991 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,499

2L
47.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Perrys Chesterfield Ford Commercials

01246383484 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - XDRIVE20D M SPORT MHEV AUTO 5-Door

£25,750

2L
43.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MINSTERMOTORGROUP.COM LTD

01482426481 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£43,898

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,775

2L
114.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Carmichael Cars

02827441888 *

BMW X32010 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£2,999

2L
139.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chester Motor Company

01207262648 *

3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£41,490

Finance available £832 pm

2L
17.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Assured Chichester

01243214214 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£31,898

2L
25.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£24,491

2L
87.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£33,995

Finance available £678 pm

2L
35.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly Motorstore Bangor

02891638497 *

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps) - HK AUDIO - BMW

£24,900

Finance available £512 pm

3L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£15,899

Finance available £313 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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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