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.

840 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,320

Finance available £521 pm

2L
27.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

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

Reduced

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
74.7K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

RB Cars

01989551050 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

Reduced

£24,990

Finance available £493 pm

3L
39.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car City UK Catterick

01748900779 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£39,553

2L
14.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Scunthorpe

01724707996 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£42,898

2L
4.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£51,950

Finance available £1,047 pm

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£22,475

Finance available £490 pm

2L
76.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Lympsham

01934312926 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

£7,499

Finance available £145 pm

2L
102.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wearside Autoparc

01913002146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (64) - 2.0 20d M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,880

Finance available £221 pm

2L
86.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

GD Motors

03030037968 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£39,232

3L
33.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£33,500

Finance available £624 pm

2L
38.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32013 (8O) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,990

2L
95.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£22,795

3L
61.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£12,990

Finance available £268 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Oakley Specialist Cars

01435510392 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£29,599

Finance available £639 pm

2L
19.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - XDRIVE20d M SPORT 5-Door

£25,975

Finance available £513 pm

2L
63.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

JMV

01634564263 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,230

2L
5.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,639

Finance available £490 pm

2L
37.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32014 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

£3,895

Finance available £65 pm

2L
106.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

16th Avenue Vehicle Solution Centre Ltd

01733979119 *

BMW X32016 - 3.0 30d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£14,895

3L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cuffley Motor Company

01707242026 *

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