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.

842 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£28,350

Finance available £562 pm

2L
58.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

drivedirect Leicester

01164646061 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,989

Finance available £370 pm

3L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

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

£18,470

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace Specialist Car Centre Manchester

01612417068 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£7,490

Finance available £145 pm

2L
91.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wainman Motors

01733902676 *

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ap Trading Leicester Ltd T/a AP Vehicle Trading

01162165650 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£32,197

Finance available £669 pm

2L
22.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Scunthorpe

01724514202 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (3M) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£13,995

Finance available £290 pm

2L
77.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£39,995

Finance available £801 pm

2L
18.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Prestige Motors NI

02890026900 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,895

2L
7.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Finance available £167 pm

2L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

RSK CARS LIMITED

01902240171 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,900

Finance available £532 pm

2L
25.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
33.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Moy Auto Services

02887448024 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

3L
6.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£35,036

2L
22.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Taunton

01823211157 *

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£15,490

Finance available £324 pm

2L
83.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SNG MOTORS

02890026877 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk]

Low Mileage

£46,994

2L
5.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Isaac Motors

01792952517 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20i MHT xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£35,000

Finance available £698 pm

2L
9.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

£54,900

Finance available £1,107 pm

3L
9.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

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

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Edinburgh West

01313226854 *

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