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.

867 Used BMW X3 cars for sale

BMW X32013 (13) - 2.0 XDRIVE20D SE 5d 181 BHP 5-Door

Reduced

£10,495

2L
58.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Baglan Car Centre

01639501146 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32019 (69) - 3.0 M40d Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£22,000

Finance available £431 pm

3L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Manor Farm Cars Ltd

01217525777 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£48,302

2L
6.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Stratstone BMW Maidstone

01622234873 *

0/5 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 *

BMW X32015 (15) - 3.0 30d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

£11,440

3L
115.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Dace German Car Centre

01616969152 *

4.8/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - 3.0 30d SE SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)

Reduced

£12,996

Finance available £290 pm

3L
90.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Staverton Garage Limited

01327221580 *

BMW X32022 - xDrive20d MHT xLine 5dr Step Auto

£29,498

2L
44.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Arnold Clark Vauxhall (Glenrothes)

01592803918 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32016 (16) - XDRIVE35D M SPORT - PANORAMIC SUNROOF -ENHANCED BLUETOOTH 5-Door

£15,495

Finance available £324 pm

3L
78.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

George Kingsley Vehicle Sales

01206580921 *

BMW X32022 (22) - 3.0 M40d MHT SUV 5dr Diesel Hybrid Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (340 ps)

£41,949

Finance available £841 pm

3L
35.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32021 - 20d MHT M Sport 5-Door

£27,990

Finance available £554 pm

2L
33.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Whitley Bay Motors LTD

01916075847 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport Step Auto 5-Door

Low Mileage

£27,776

Finance available £574 pm

2L
28.9K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

CarSupermarket.com Preston

01772285529 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW X32021 (21) - X3 xDrive20d M Sport 5-Door

Low Mileage

£28,645

2L
20.2K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Stephen James Bromley BMW

02038730474 *

BMW X32020 - xDrive20i xLine 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£26,134

2L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Audi Newbury

01635917224 *

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

£15,999

Finance available £315 pm

3L
63.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

BMW X32021 - xDrive20d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£28,265

2L
18.8K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
SUV

Marshall Volvo Derby

01332318472 *

BMW X32024 (24) - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£44,300

Finance available £890 pm

2L
8.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Semi Auto
SUV

Ocean Group BMW Paignton

01803225818 *

BMW X32024 - xDrive 30e M Sport 5dr Auto

£38,699

Finance available £825 pm

2L
14.7K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

Motorpoint Peterborough

01733797063 *

BMW X32022 (71) - xDrive 30e xLine 5dr Auto

Reduced

£21,295

Finance available £417 pm

2L
100.8K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
SUV

V12 Sports and Classics Worksop

01455241730 *

BMW X32015 (65) - 2.0 20d M Sport SUV 5dr Diesel Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) (190 ps)

Reduced

£17,749

Finance available £344 pm

2L
29.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Prime Motors

01279219599 *

0/5 Stars

BMW X32017 - xDrive30d M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£18,995

Finance available £370 pm

3L
52.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
SUV

Derek Loane Motors

02885444501 *

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

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.

Used BMW X3 snapshot review

Pros