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.

960 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£20,300

Finance available £422 pm

2L
43.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Peterborough

01733971423 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,850

Finance available £220 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilltop Motors

01216618553 *

BMW X32004 - SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£1,995

2.5L
82.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

Summerhill Motors Limited

01174400935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,195

2L
122.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Northwest Trade Centre Lancaster

01524938637 *

BMW X32010 (60) - 2l 5d AUTO 181 BHP 5-Door

£17,549

2L
134.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32022 (71) - X3 M40d 5-Door

£40,000

3L
31.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£28,899

2L
46.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Leeds

01134676295 *

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£14,995

Finance available £313 pm

2L
71.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BRM Select Cars Ltd

01724709671 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£6,499

2L
105.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Crown Car Sales Limited

01639501145 *

3.4/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,400

Finance available £634 pm

2L
19.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
87.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

MANOR MOTORS CAR SALES LIMITED

01977809391 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,450

Finance available £482 pm

2L
58.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

David Hayton Ltd (Mazda Carlisle)

01228273596 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Reduced

£50,695

3L
29.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£26,795

25.5K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£41,813

2L
5.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

Low Mileage

£32,843

2L
18.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,290

Finance available £275 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

£39,895

Finance available £904 pm

2L
25.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,525

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Audi Coulsdon

02038895530 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,340

Finance available £253 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DR Motors

01162162407 *

4.3/5 Stars

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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