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.

882 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32017 (67) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£14,500

Finance available £302 pm

2L
124.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Beechwood Autos Ltd

01623709945 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£15,290

Finance available £319 pm

2L
73.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Empire Cars Bedford

01234237238 *

4.8/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£16,300

Finance available £342 pm

2L
37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Taylors Pitstop

01293221182 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 3.0 M40i SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (360 ps)

Low Mileage

£28,990

Finance available £575 pm

3L
49.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Car City UK Catterick

01748900779 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£20,799

2L
69.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

BMW X32023 - 3.0 X3 M Competition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£49,993

Finance available £1,006 pm

3L
13.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

MB Motor Group

01133236318 *

BMW X32019 (69) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,700

Finance available £472 pm

2L
62.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

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 X32022 (71) - M40D -TECH/COMFORT PACKS -PAN ROOF -HARMAN KARDON - £5K EXTRAS 5-Door

Low Mileage

£44,995

Finance available £904 pm

3L
25.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW X3(21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£24,495

Finance available £483 pm

76.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Not Supplied

ARJ MOTORS

01932507141 *

4.5/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£50,500

2L
7.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
69.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

JB Autos Sales

02870440586 *

BMW X32022 - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£35,999

Finance available £719 pm

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£37,986

2L
19.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Hampshire

01256268420 *

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

£26,132

Finance available £528 pm

2L
45.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carsa Durham

01388217377 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£21,259

Finance available £439 pm

2L
60.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32024 (74) - xDrive20 M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech/Pro Pk] Petrol Estate

£49,115

2L
8.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Sunderland

01918146399 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32011 (11) - xDrive20d SE 5dr

£4,895

Finance available £87 pm

2L
133.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Tnd Car Sales LTD

01233555386 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (14) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£10,495

Finance available £212 pm

2L
94.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marsh Lane Car Sales and Repairs Ltd

01952984345 *

BMW X32024 (24) - 2.0 20i MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£46,000

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

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