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.

868 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£4,800

Finance available £85 pm

2L
147.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Fame Cars Limited

01216474010 *

BMW X32019 - Xdrive20D M Sport 5-Door

£22,520

Finance available £481 pm

2L
52.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£37,594

2L
15.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£40,990

2L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall SKODA Reading

01182078976 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£22,799

Finance available £472 pm

2L
36.8K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - Xdrive20I Xline Mhev 5-Door

£29,720

Finance available £642 pm

2L
35.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,495

3L
35.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Bury St Edmunds

01284338953 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (73) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
11.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

LA Car Sales

01143089109 *

BMW X32014 (14) - 2.0 20d xLine SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,000

Finance available £246 pm

2L
68.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hammond Cars Ipswich

01473927579 *

4.5/5 Stars

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 X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£27,250

2L
15.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorparks Canterbury

01227203463 *

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto Estate

Low Mileage

£43,987

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£30,991

2L
24.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Your Next Car Ltd

01156849398 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - 3.0 M40i Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£26,990

3L
45.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Crewe SEAT

01270441045 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

BMW X32020 (20) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£24,500

Finance available £536 pm

2L
53.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

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

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

3L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£26,555

2L
20.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Exeter

01392341615 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (22) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£36,514

2L
17.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£44,898

2L
10.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Glasgow BMW

01416119940 *

4.7/5 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