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.

851 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32021 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£28,990

2L
58.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32016 - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d XLine Auto 4WD 5dr

Low Mileage

£15,190

Finance available £317 pm

2L
60.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

DSI Performance Cars

01306772198 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (58) - 2.0d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Reduced

£3,695

Finance available £60 pm

2L
89.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

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 X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£11,990

Finance available £246 pm

2L
92.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Cars to Go

01202099943 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32023 (23) - xDrive20i MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£39,990

2L
24.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£41,990

2L
11.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

3.7/5 Stars

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

Low Mileage

£44,304

2L
5.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32023 - xDrive M40i MHT 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£50,950

Finance available £1,026 pm

3L
8.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

JKC Approved Used BMW

02870441623 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£13,000

Finance available £268 pm

3L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

COVENTRY CAR SALES LTD

02475185457 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 (67) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£14,695

3L
87.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Wavertree Car Centre

01513189401 *

BMW X32019 - 3.0 M40i GPF SUV 5dr Petrol Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (354 ps)

Low Mileage

£32,990

Finance available £657 pm

3L
31.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
SUV

James Paul Car Sales Ltd

01403331244 *

BMW X32006 (06) - 2.0d Sport 5dr

Reduced

£5,999

Finance available £112 pm

2L
79.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
SUV

Hexham Classic Cars Ltd

07521421049 *

BMW X32022 (71) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Low Mileage

£31,200

Finance available £561 pm

2L
24.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Wimbledon

02038235453 *

BMW X32020 - 2.0 20d M Sport Suv 5dr Diesel Auto Xdrive Euro 6 s/s 190 Ps

Low Mileage

£25,495

Finance available £536 pm

2L
36.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

EMG Motor Group Thetford

01842772147 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto [Tech Pack] 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,197

Finance available £583 pm

2L
27.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Birmingham

01215165158 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32014 (63) - 2.0 20d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£8,295

Finance available £163 pm

2L
101.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Signature Motor Sales

01274059708 *

BMW X32012 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto finance available

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

2L
93.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Axholme Car Exchange Limited

01724514216 *

4.7/5 Stars

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 X32020 (70) - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

Reduced

£18,990

Finance available £370 pm

2L
87.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

The Car Outlet

01322949481 *

4.1/5 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