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.

825 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£49,495

2L
7.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

3.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£26,031

2L
58.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW Teesside

01642630363 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,498

2L
40.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Stirling Volvo / GWM / BYD

01786232221 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 30e M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,800

2L
63.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

LMC Cars

01708206105 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£37,498

2L
14.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - XDRIVE20I M SPORT 5-Door

Low Mileage

£26,995

2L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

St Michaels Garage Sittingbourne

01795502669 *

BMW X32013 (63) - 2.0 20d BluePerformance M Sport xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,494

Finance available £145 pm

2L
100.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Vivian Price Cars

01172331344 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 3.0 M40d SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (326 ps)

Reduced

£28,449

Finance available £564 pm

3L
70.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Not Supplied

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£23,099

Finance available £484 pm

2L
39.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Newport

01633493027 *

BMW X32021 (71) - 3.0 30d MHT M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£39,500

3L
13.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - 210kW Premier Edition Pro 80kWh 5dr Auto

£23,395

Finance available £521 pm

48.6K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32025 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£50,995

Finance available £1,027 pm

2L
8.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

BMW Bavarian

02895908116 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20i M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£31,752

2L
15.9K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

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

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
114.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars4You Ltd Falkirk

01324465357 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UCAR

02890026926 *

BMW X32020 (70) - X3 M40i 5-Door

Low Mileage

£37,984

3L
29.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Prestige Cars Kent

01689669471 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32018 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£27,015

3L
34.3K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall BMW Salisbury

01722445824 *

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 X32018 - 81258 5-Door

Low Mileage

£21,952

2L
53.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

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

Reduced

£12,790

Finance available £263 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Ideal Car Centre

01617904497 *

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

lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JNysqBA8wNg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JNysqBA8wNg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

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