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.

872 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
11.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

BMW X32017 (17) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£13,592

2L
64.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu Motornation Derby

01228582111 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0d MHT M SPORT XDRIVE AUTO 4-Door

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

2L
36.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
Saloon

NI Car Sales Ltd

02838447728 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£7,495

Finance available £145 pm

2L
127.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ivybridge Trade Centre

01752982776 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£11,340

3L
115.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

£20,295

2L
55.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carite Ltd

01793224408 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£22,995

Finance available £481 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,350

Finance available £459 pm

2L
52.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

BMW X32020 - X3 M40d 5-Door

£30,500

Finance available £606 pm

3L
47.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (70) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£29,499

2L
30.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Preston

01772957419 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£34,000

2L
15.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Reduced

£28,449

Finance available £564 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto [Pro Pack]

Low Mileage

£41,000

2L
3.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£44,898

2L
14.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto Electric Estate

£25,267

38.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40d MHT 5dr Auto

£47,380

3L
26.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,500

Finance available £145 pm

2L
80.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stellar Motor Company

01204324463 *

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 *

3.5/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,400

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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