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 X32012 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

3L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32023 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

£41,100

2L
1.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Durham

01918146639 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£14,790

Finance available £308 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£30,341

2L
25.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Grimsby

01472806814 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£43,994

2L
12.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (05) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto ABSOLUTELY STUNNING

Low Mileage

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
99.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Parc Lane Cars Ltd

01913232948 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 xDrive 30d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£31,490

Finance available £626 pm

3L
21.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Sleaford Car Centre

01529401234 *

BMW X32018 - 81258 5-Door

Low Mileage

£22,344

2L
53.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Manual xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£8,995

Finance available £179 pm

2L
59.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Cars Of Conwy Car Centre (Junction)

01492551634 *

BMW X32013 (63) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

2L
116.6K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

James Bush Cars

01652241116 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X3xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,490

28.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone Select Bracknell

01344202530 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,000

Finance available £501 pm

2L
26.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,498

2L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Bristol

01416118398 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£40,898

2L
10.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£28,990

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

£22,680

Finance available £494 pm

3L
97.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

£23,611

Finance available £475 pm

2L
63.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Southampton

01489663574 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (265 ps)

£21,795

Finance available £427 pm

3L
83.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Evolve Motor Company

01633741704 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£31,949

Finance available £677 pm

2L
38.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Maidstone

01622291202 *

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£42,900

Finance available £861 pm

2L
8.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Penryn

01326333538 *

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