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.

872 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32023 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£36,500

Finance available £729 pm

2L
32.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Saxton 4x4

01245202306 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (19) - 2.0 X3 xDrive 20d M Sport Auto 4WD 5dr

£24,250

2L
74.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Phantom Motor Company

01942365271 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

£24,399

Finance available £507 pm

2L
45.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch

01182078522 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - (22 Reg) 3.0 30D M Sport xDrive Auto 5-Door

£34,990

3L
59.9K
Miles
Not Supplied
Semi Auto
SUV

Acklam Cars

01642573603 *

4.2/5 Stars

BMW X32018 (68) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£21,999

Finance available £431 pm

2L
69.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Empressive Motor Company

01865591236 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32007 (57) - 3.0sd M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£3,495

Finance available £56 pm

3L
130.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Spurland Motor Company

01494412371 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

£31,000

2L
48.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Tayside

01382238686 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£29,499

2L
19.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

W R Davies Nissan Rhyl

01745776768 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32008 (58) - 2.0 20d SE Edition Exclusive Steptronic xDrive Euro 4 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

2L
84.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Handpicked Motors Swindon LTD

01793236991 *

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£15,450

Finance available £323 pm

3L
85.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Alverstoke Automotive LTD

01902290499 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (66) - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

£11,995

Finance available £246 pm

2L
91.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ainsdale Car Centre

01704337328 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - 2.0 30e 12kWh M Sport SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s

£25,649

Finance available £562 pm

2L
67.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

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

Reduced

£15,854

Finance available £332 pm

2L
131.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Horsepower Motor Centre Ltd

01732927681 *

BMW X32019 (68) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,989

Finance available £370 pm

3L
137.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Motorhub

01535281058 *

BMW X32016 (16) - xDrive20d SE 5dr Step Auto

£9,995

Finance available £201 pm

2L
105.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Leeon Limited

01493801777 *

BMW X32013 - 2.0 20d SE Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,495

2L
52.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Woodcroft Motors

01642030069 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£26,849

Finance available £560 pm

2L
43.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32022 - Xdrive20I Xline Mhev 5-Door

£29,920

Finance available £646 pm

2L
35.4K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Hippo Approved

01254445378 *

BMW X32019 - xDrive20d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£21,950

Finance available £430 pm

2L
82.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Gormley Car Sales Ltd

02890023627 *

BMW X32011 (11) - 2.0 20d SE Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,190

Finance available £94 pm

2L
115.4K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hey Motors Ltd

01706572044 *

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