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.

978 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£34,695

3L
27.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Wolverhampton

01902544572 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,898

2L
33.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Dumfries BMW/MINI

01387340162 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

Reduced

£40,949

Finance available £821 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£28,998

2L
39.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Edinburgh Sighthill MS / Fiat / Abarth / BYD

01313702482 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£8,995

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BLOFIELD MC

01603931807 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20i xLine 5-Door

Reduced

£20,000

2L
38.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Newcastle Lexus

01916076197 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Hilton Car Sales

02890023656 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£19,889

Finance available £388 pm

3L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Used Cars Uk

01992667030 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

Low Mileage

£25,700

Finance available £541 pm

2L
27.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£23,493

Finance available £462 pm

46.7K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Hull

01482249158 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
82.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32018 (68) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,400

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32025 (25) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£52,500

2L
2.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

Low Mileage

£27,042

27.9K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£32,998

2L
38.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,885

Finance available £491 pm

2L
40.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Donnelly & Taggart Motorstore Derry/Londonderry

02871221721 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Plus Pack]

£20,979

Finance available £433 pm

2L
71.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£48,995

Finance available £986 pm

3L
9.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£23,600

Finance available £464 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32015 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
63.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

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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* 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.