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 X32017 (67) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

The Volvo Guys Ltd

01274087628 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,495

Finance available £503 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MCautosales

02879440626 *

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

£26,300

Finance available £565 pm

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car Planet Watford

01923927636 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£47,400

Finance available £953 pm

2L
7.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£22,750

Finance available £447 pm

2L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Brown Cars

02890023186 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£26,200

Finance available £459 pm

2L
48.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Leeds

01134689988 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hexham Classic Cars Ltd

07521421049 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

Finance available £290 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£33,950

Finance available £677 pm

2L
43.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Top Gear Motors

02881440371 *

BMW X32022 - X3 xDrive20i M Sport 5-Door

£31,200

Finance available £620 pm

2L
50.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£27,700

Finance available £488 pm

2L
50.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£44,350

2L
6.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (07) - 2.0d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£2,995

2L
120.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Amon Motors Solihull

01216615432 *

BMW X32019 - 5dr 2.0d xDrive M Sport Automatic

Reduced

£25,995

2L
34.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Frosts Used Cars Shoreham-by-Sea

01273093609 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£22,999

2L
53.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sandles Car Supermarket

01553601835 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

3L
89.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Gwyndaf Evans Motors

01341400160 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£18,950

Finance available £369 pm

3L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

B Mullan Motors

02890026315 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 3.0 35d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (313 ps)

Low Mileage

£16,099

Finance available £317 pm

3L
64.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32013 - 3.0 X3 xDrive35d M Sport 5-Door

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

3L
114.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Peak Automotive Limited

01637801278 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£45,995

Finance available £924 pm

2L
6.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

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