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.

877 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Reduced

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

2L
85.8K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW X32013 - 3.0 30d M Sport Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£10,988

Finance available £223 pm

3L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

UP PRESTIGE LTD

01746331186 *

BMW X32022 (22) - X3 xDrive20d xLine 5-Door

£26,400

2L
58.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

John Clark BMW Aberdeen

01224451046 *

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

£26,495

Finance available £524 pm

2L
59.5K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Ashford Orbital Kia

01233223702 *

BMW X32011 - 2.0 X3 xDrive20d SE 5-Door

Reduced

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

2L
95.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

KPH SYKEHOUSE LTD TA Priory Motors

01405801107 *

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 30e 12kWh SE SUV 5dr Petrol Plug-in Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (29

£20,799

2L
69.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

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

Low Mileage

£30,919

2L
17.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Vertu BMW York

01904237114 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£27,495

Finance available £544 pm

2L
67.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Lakeland Cars (NI) Ltd

02890023697 *

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

£8,990

Finance available £179 pm

3L
140.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Car2Car Ltd

01403331222 *

5/5 Stars

BMW X32013 (62) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£12,700

Finance available £261 pm

2L
50.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Bhakar-Wood Cars LTD

01952953931 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - 2.0 20d MHT M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

£27,500

Finance available £527 pm

2L
39.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Big Motoring World Sheffield

01145510576 *

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 X32021 (71) - 2.0 30e 12kWh xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£18,450

Finance available £358 pm

2L
92.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Quality Part X Ltd Dunstable

01582280653 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive 30e SE 5dr Auto

£21,259

Finance available £439 pm

2L
60.1K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW X32019 - xDrive M40d 5dr Step Auto

£25,999

Finance available £514 pm

3L
63.9K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Jack Reid Cars Carrickfergus

02893448937 *

BMW X32018 - xDrive20d xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

2L
54.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Saltmarine Used Car Centre

02887441419 *

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

Low Mileage

£29,302

Finance available £645 pm

2L
22.6K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Carbase - Bristol

01172331396 *

4.4/5 Stars

BMW X32012 (12) - 2.0 20d M Sport Steptronic xDrive Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

Finance available £111 pm

2L
122.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Town Autos

01234987579 *

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 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

£29,950

Finance available £595 pm

2L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

PRESTIGE MARQUES

02890023771 *

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