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.

978 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32024 - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,790

2L
13.5K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Marshall SKODA Reading

01182078976 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,845

2L
21.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Land Rover Bedford

01234861500 *

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£13,695

Finance available £284 pm

2L
80.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Mark One Cars Limited

01246385095 *

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,990

Finance available £357 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Niche Motor Company

01274028316 *

BMW X32022 (72) - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto Diesel Estate

£33,709

2L
41.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

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

£23,500

Finance available £493 pm

2L
53.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Blue Bell Hill

01634557830 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,900

Finance available £355 pm

2L
93.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£8,995

3L
136.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

J.K. Car Sales NI LTD

02890023682 *

BMW X32021 - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

100

Low Mileage

£36,990

Finance available £739 pm

3L
28.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Redgate Lodge

01916077194 *

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

Low Mileage

£26,429

26.4K
Miles
Electric
Automatic
SUV

Marshall BMW Bournemouth

01202068625 *

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,994

Finance available £335 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoTrade Southwest

01453701529 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 20i MHT xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£29,990

Finance available £596 pm

2L
28.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

GC Motors

01423396999 *

BMW X32023 (23) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£38,490

2L
23.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Harwoods of Sussex

01798301132 *

BMW X32020 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£29,995

Finance available £596 pm

2L
28.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Richlee Motor Company Billericay

01277281160 *

BMW X32022 (72) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£29,495

Finance available £624 pm

2L
34.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£30,630

2L
16.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Marshall Volkswagen Reading

01189077016 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,498

2L
26.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Birtley Motorstore / MG / Vanstore

01916070584 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - 3.0 X3 M40D Auto 4WD 5dr

Reduced

£30,489

37.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Essex Prestige Autos Ltd

01279967337 *

BMW X32014 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d SE Auto 4WD 5dr

£8,500

2L
97.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vortex Cars Limited

01614700153 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 20d SE xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£4,795

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Shawn Dream Cars Ltd

02476936576 *

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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.