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.

889 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

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

£27,649

Finance available £608 pm

2L
37.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s)

£22,200

Finance available £384 pm

2L
58.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Camberley

01276983839 *

BMW X32021 - 2.0 xDrive20d M Sport Auto 5dr

£30,000

Finance available £596 pm

2L
34.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Turners of Roborough

01752427448 *

BMW X32015 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

2L
86.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - xDrive 20d SE 5dr Step Auto OYSTER HEATED LEATHER 10 BMW SERVICES 1 OWNER

Reduced

£8,975

Finance available £178 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Nick King Car Sales (Gloucester)

01452227299 *

BMW X32016 (66) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£12,499

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£12,499

Finance available £257 pm

2L
85.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Jody Campbell Cars

02870441631 *

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,750

Finance available £218 pm

2L
76.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Rudi Gage Car Sales

02827440452 *

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

£25,269

38.2K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£43,950

Finance available £882 pm

2L
8.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
79.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

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

£29,491

Finance available £585 pm

3L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Riverside Volvo Hull

01482249187 *

BMW X32005 (05) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,495

2.5L
123.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32013 - 20d SE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£8,499

Finance available £168 pm

2L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

ACE MOTOR VEHICLE LTD

01913001935 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£35,898

2L
35.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Milton Keynes

01416118716 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£23,395

Finance available £521 pm

48.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - xDrive35d M Sport 5 Dr Step Auto [8]

Reduced

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

3L
46.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Pevensey Bay Car Centre

01323402241 *

4.1/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d SE 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,498

3L
54.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Peugeot/SEAT/Cupra/Skoda (Edinburgh)

01312025128 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20i GPF M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

£21,299

2L
58.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£47,500

2L
6.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 Stars

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