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.

864 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32019 - 3.0i Competition Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£41,495

Finance available £832 pm

3L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£25,995

Finance available £513 pm

2L
62.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UCAR

02890026926 *

BMW X32016 - 20d M Sport 5-Door

£14,289

2L
74.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

BMW X32019 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
53.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Newburgh Motors

01334800691 *

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

Low Mileage

£36,999

Finance available £740 pm

2L
15.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Days Motorpark Swansea

01792739768 *

3.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

CarBrothers NI

02894339938 *

BMW X32021 (21) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£20,500

Finance available £401 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£43,990

2L
13.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32014 (64) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£10,490

Finance available £212 pm

2L
105.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Autopoint UK (Notts) Ltd

01156977743 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£25,285

2L
36.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Charles Hurst Usedirect/ Premium Direct - Dundon

02890022199 *

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

£22,395

Finance available £468 pm

2L
71.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

3L
69.1K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

iGEN Autos

02890023662 *

BMW X32016 - xDrive Competition 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,940

2L
49.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£30,298

2L
40.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Salford Vauxhall/Fiat/Abarth/MG/Jeep

01612417060 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£16,495

Finance available £346 pm

2L
81.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Beechlawn Motors Limited

02890022270 *

BMW X32023 - xDrive30d MHT M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,776

3L
33.4K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Jaguar Ipswich

01473938816 *

BMW X32015 (15) - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£15,995

Finance available £335 pm

2L
55.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Isaac Motors

01792952517 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£48,950

2L
4.7K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.6/5 Stars

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 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£30,599

Finance available £648 pm

2L
21.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Swansea

01792001617 *

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