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.

883 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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 X32015 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,495

Finance available £302 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Auto Source Belfast

02890021454 *

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£37,900

Finance available £758 pm

3L
27.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,152

Finance available £619 pm

2L
31.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£20,799

2L
69.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,700

Finance available £261 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£25,000

Finance available £446 pm

2L
51.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£17,495

2L
96.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£7,295

Finance available £141 pm

2L
93.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Derbyshire Elite Car Sales Limited

01332419205 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£42,498

2L
16.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Livingston)

01506539098 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£21,799

2L
70.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32004 (54) - 2004 2.5i Sport 5dr SILVER FULL LEATHER SERVICE HISTORY PAN ROOF

Low Mileage

£2,299

2.5L
86.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
SUV

GT Sports & 4x4

01274059833 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,599

Finance available £468 pm

2L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,800

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,303

2L
50.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

BMW X32022 (72) - X3 M40i 5-Door

£48,000

3L
22.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£20,725

Finance available £405 pm

3L
74.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32023 (73) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£40,000

2L
19.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32014 (14) - XDRIVE20D M SPORT AUTOMATIC 5-Door

£9,999

Finance available £201 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bexhill Motors Terminus Road

01424234748 *

4.7/5 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