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.

851 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,295

Finance available £355 pm

2L
76.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tenby Car Supermarket

01582280726 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,700

Finance available £517 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,450

Finance available £461 pm

2L
60.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Sales NI Ltd

02882440438 *

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

£23,261

38.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
77.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Spot On Auto Ltd

01172331356 *

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 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,450

Finance available £345 pm

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£48,273

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32012 (62) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
70.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Coopers Cars (South West) Limited

01278555831 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32006 - 2.0d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 4WD Euro 4 (150 ps)

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

2L
160.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Chepstow Trade Centre Ltd

01291440715 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (6K) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,490

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

Dace Car Supermarket

01616945306 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

Reduced

£26,500

Finance available £466 pm

2L
46.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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 X32005 (05) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2.5L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 3.0i Sport Auto 4WD Euro 3 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,980

3L
129.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vision Motors Direct - Haydock

01942367552 *

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

£7,881

Finance available £154 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eye Green Cars

01733794296 *

3.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (02) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) NATIONWIDE PART

£8,395

Finance available £165 pm

2L
105.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Kirkham Part Ex Centre

01772348362 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,750

Finance available £426 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

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