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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32004 (04) - 3.0i Sport 5 Door Automatic

Low Mileage

£1,495

3L
135.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Great Bridge Cars Ltd

01215160473 *

BMW X32010 (60) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£4,495

Finance available £78 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hitchin Motor Sales Ltd

01908953489 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£27,495

3L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

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

Low Mileage

£28,297

26.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£41,898

2L
4.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - 3.0 M40i GPF Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

3L
97.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£40,495

Finance available £811 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
51.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£22,500

Finance available £442 pm

3L
45.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Raima Motors LTD

01977800495 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£13,495

Finance available £279 pm

3L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Southend Auto Sales Ltd

01702908029 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marsh Lane Car Sales and Repairs Ltd

01952984345 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,950

Finance available £595 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PRESTIGE MARQUES

02890023771 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£33,357

Finance available £679 pm

2L
34.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£20,990

Finance available £411 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Diamond Motor House Ltd

01134676305 *

4/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,000

Finance available £89 pm

2L
139.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

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

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Gerald Hallett Limited

01935311754 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£26,427

Finance available £522 pm

2L
33.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Strada Cars

01642262600 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - 2.0 20d Xline Suv 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

Low Mileage

£17,499

2L
46.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Tustain Motors Ashington

01670332551 *

BMW X32014 (63) - sDrive18d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

NJH Car Sales

01792940611 *

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

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Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros