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.

839 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£20,699

Finance available £440 pm

2L
54.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£44,498

2L
8.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32004 (04) - 2.5i Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£995

2.5L
94.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Ash Motors

01494977763 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£14,695

Finance available £287 pm

3L
85.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Eclipse Car Sales Limited

02392006073 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (15) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£10,695

Finance available £217 pm

2L
99.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

BM Automotive

01752427499 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - XDRIVE30D 3.0 MHT M SPORT 5-Door

Reduced

£40,495

Finance available £811 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bespoke Motor Works Ltd

01642937532 *

4.9/5 Stars

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 5dr Auto xDrive (SAT NAV, FULL LEATHER)

£26,988

2L
45.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Jeff White Motors

02920028289 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d M Sport Step Auto LOW MILEAGE 4x4 5-Door

Low Mileage

£12,495

Finance available £257 pm

2L
65.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

R M A Car Sales

01594801742 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 3.0d M Sport 5dr Auto

Reduced

£2,450

3L
112.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Munich Performance LTD

01280733608 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,519

Finance available £473 pm

2L
37.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Cannock

01543227664 *

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

£29,600

Finance available £529 pm

2L
46.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£21,995

Finance available £431 pm

2L
56.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Auto Sussex Ltd

01403334227 *

4.6/5 Stars

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

£21,899

2L
73.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Affordable Cars Prestige Car Supermarket

01904238447 *

BMW X32013 (13) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£6,995

Finance available £134 pm

2L
107.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Manor Cars

01752427493 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto Petrol Estate

Low Mileage

£29,372

2L
30.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Bridgwater

01278555750 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£24,750

Finance available £488 pm

2L
49.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Colin Francis Cars

02879441906 *

BMW X32022 - (22 Reg) 3.0 30D M Sport xDrive Auto 5-Door

£34,990

3L
59.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Semi Auto
SUV

Acklam Cars

01642573603 *

4.7/5 Stars

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

£24,976

Finance available £514 pm

2L
55.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32015 (65) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,999

3L
74.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Corner Park Garage (Swansea)

01792344016 *

3.6/5 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

* 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