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.

905 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,498

2L
50.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (East Kilbride)

01355203634 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,995

Finance available £698 pm

2L
27.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

All Cars Group Ta ACG Motors

01613887664 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,998

2L
44.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Inverness BMW

01463211082 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - xDrive Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,621

2L
49.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£22,849

Finance available £478 pm

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

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

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
101.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

NATIONAL CAR HUB

01922665543 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£28,108

2L
20.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 XDRIVE30E XLINE 5d 289 BHP 5-Door

£20,499

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£6,795

Finance available £129 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Land Auto West Ltd

01213872434 *

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£25,500

Finance available £454 pm

2L
36.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,989

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

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

Reduced

£14,990

Finance available £313 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW X32021 - Xdrive30E M Sport 5-Door

£24,920

Finance available £534 pm

2L
46.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£26,394

3L
42.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

South Hereford Volkswagen Hereford

01432809890 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£22,250

3L
68.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stoneacre Lincoln Kia

01522459163 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,520

Finance available £481 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,599

Finance available £538 pm

2L
34.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
105.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

XENON AUTOMOTIVE LTD

01707932603 *

0/5 Stars

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

£41,949

Finance available £841 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 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

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

* 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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros