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.

839 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32017 (17) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

3L
112.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars 4 You Ltd

01506376842 *

4.1/5 Stars

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

£23,750

Finance available £467 pm

3L
64.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Whitethor Cars

01530443588 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 3.0 30d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,490

Finance available £167 pm

3L
135.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Brookway Cars ltd

01515417904 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (7S) - 2.0 20i GPF xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£22,999

2L
20.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£8,790

Finance available £174 pm

2L
97.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Swaan Motors Ltd

01733667053 *

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

£22,495

Finance available £442 pm

2L
72.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Car Specialists LTD

01282509489 *

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£18,000

2L
81.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Riverside Car Sales Ltd

01283241530 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (18) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,000

Finance available £335 pm

2L
97.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Browns Car Company

01621733495 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£22,749

Finance available £457 pm

2L
68.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Bradford

01274087627 *

4.4/5 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

BMW X32009 (59) - xDrive20d Limited Sport Edition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£5,250

Finance available £95 pm

2L
78.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leisure Car Shop Ltd

01245204842 *

BMW X32021 (70) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£32,250

Finance available £698 pm

2L
3.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Barnet

02039577301 *

BMW X32013 - XDRIVE35D M SPORT (ELECTRIC PAN ROOF) 5-Door

£11,993

Finance available £246 pm

3L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

cjs autos ltd

01454803082 *

4.5/5 Stars

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

£21,470

2L
90.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£18,970

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£37,805

3L
33.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X3(61) - XDrive 35i M Sports SUV 3.0 5-Door

Low Mileage

£11,949

Finance available £245 pm

41.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Not Supplied

M Cars Surrey Ltd

01342649540 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

2L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

N K Car Sales Ltd

01143086541 *

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

2L
133.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Tnd Car Sales LTD

01233555386 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£6,999

Finance available £134 pm

2L
91.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wainman Motors

01733902676 *

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