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.

938 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
90.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DandLMotors

01777801470 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Good Autos

02897440336 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,995

Finance available £452 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bateman & Lynch Cars (Tavistock)

01822661267 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£32,998

2L
17.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Irvine BMW

01294440528 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (17) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,470

2L
32.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£19,180

Finance available £373 pm

2L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
83.6K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Meadway Autoland

01216475215 *

1/5 Stars

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

£23,126

Finance available £504 pm

3L
85.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (64) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£6,000

Finance available £112 pm

2L
200.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brooklands Car Sales

01797331003 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,850

Finance available £242 pm

2L
64.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Elect Automotive Ltd

01525308849 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,220

Finance available £689 pm

2L
26.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive M50 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£64,900

Finance available £1,313 pm

3L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£42,794

Finance available £859 pm

2L
6.3K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

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

£30,990

Finance available £616 pm

2L
42.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carrera Specialist Cars

01414049939 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive30 M Sport 5-Door

£35,400

Finance available £707 pm

2L
26.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32009 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MOORGATE AUTOS LTD

01614139835 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,950

Finance available £554 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

A1 Autos

02890023133 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£37,250

Finance available £745 pm

2L
14.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

David Hayton Ltd (Autostore Penrith)

01768800651 *

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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