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.

898 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,995

2L
24.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
110.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Warwick Hall Cars Limited

01616720739 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,298

2L
20.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Broxburn Seat / Fiat

01506532870 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,940

3L
51.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (08) - 2.0d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic 4WD Euro 4 (177 ps)

Low Mileage

£3,750

Finance available £61 pm

2L
118.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

WIGAN VEHICLE SOLUTIONS LIMITED

01942918522 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,980

Finance available £268 pm

2L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fort Southwick Internet Cars

02392004448 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,998

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

3L
187.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

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 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - X3 M40d Auto 5-Door

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

3L
51.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Riverside BYD

01924927456 *

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

£19,180

Finance available £373 pm

2L
80.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

CARS YARD

02039577371 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,000

3L
37.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Preston

01772347475 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,749

Finance available £426 pm

2L
61.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Top Gear NI

02879440940 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive M40i 5dr Auto

£37,975

Finance available £760 pm

3L
38.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Sandwell Car Sales

01215160845 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,399

Finance available £456 pm

2L
49.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
109.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
105.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

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