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.

870 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps) Satellite Na

Low Mileage

£23,499

Finance available £462 pm

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cartime Bury

01613887693 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - xDrive20d SE 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
96.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

MB Motors

02825440802 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,197

Finance available £583 pm

2L
27.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£26,975

Finance available £533 pm

2L
39.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Co

01616945324 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

3L
134.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SAAD MOTORS LTD

01613887780 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£30,000

2L
14.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto Semi-Auto

£19,914

2L
72.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

TrustFord Bristol - Cribbs Causeway

01173320497 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32020 (20) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,290

2L
30.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32.0d M-Sport X-Drive automatic

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

49.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Performance Cars Wales Ltd

02920711980 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]

£40,280

2L
18.4K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32021 (71) - M40I 5-Door

£34,999

Finance available £744 pm

3L
42.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Wilsons Used

02037808195 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,995

Finance available £760 pm

3L
25.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (61) - 3.0 30d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,735

Finance available £150 pm

3L
78.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

MAJESTIC JOURNEYS LTD

01753387030 *

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

Reduced

£28,990

2L
49.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LKC Motors

01909491436 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£46,795

2L
7.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 XDRIVE30D M SPORT 5d 261 BHP 5-Door

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

3L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hartlepool Motor Company Ltd

01429807308 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£25,349

Finance available £528 pm

2L
69.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01473356705 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£29,400

Finance available £583 pm

2L
30.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£14,498

2L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall/Kia (Northwich)

01606535710 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£28,995

Finance available £575 pm

3L
46.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Abbey Autos Glengormley

02890021961 *

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