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.

946 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,950

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

R-Line Motors

02871228243 *

BMW X32024 - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£45,500

Finance available £914 pm

2L
4.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£27,450

Finance available £543 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FM MOTORS GB LTD

02039484610 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£6,499

2L
131.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

M&G Motors

01782940072 *

BMW X32018 (18) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
23.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£20,849

Finance available £430 pm

2L
60.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,695

Finance available £261 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Colebrook and Sons Ltd

01202145724 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,999

3L
82.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

The Car Zone

01606539547 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

£28,998

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Ayr BYD

01292432784 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 (74) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£50,405

2L
6.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

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

£23,495

Finance available £462 pm

2L
82.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£48,477

2L
5.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 20i xLine SUV 2.0 Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps) 5-Door

Low Mileage

£20,999

2L
51.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Castle Motors (Trebrown)

01503770414 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£43,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£48,995

Finance available £986 pm

3L
9.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£26,000

2L
15.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Invicta MG & Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£20,800

Finance available £433 pm

2L
61.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Enfield

02037634741 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£47,513

2L
2.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
65.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Empire Autos NI

02890023547 *

BMW X32021 - x3 M40d M PRO EDITION (INDIVIDUAL PAINT, SAT NAV, 4X SERVICES & MAXTON KIT) 5-Door

Reduced

£40,785

3L
46.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Brooklands Motor Centres

01135321282 *

4.4/5 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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